Penguins reach land-use deal with Black church
PITTSBURGH — More than 60 years ago, a historic Black church was forced to give up its sanctuary — and compensated for what it says was a fraction of the value — to an urban renewal project that wiped out the heart of an African American neighborhood known as the Hill District.
Now, Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church is poised to recoup some of that loss and reclaim a spot near its former home. It has reached an agreement with the Pittsburgh Penguins, who now hold development rights to the site near its arena, for the church to use a 1.5-acre parcel that it envisions utilizing for housing and other revenue-generating development.
The agreement came after years of public calls and demonstrations by the church, which has described its efforts as seeking reparations. The church battle is a microcosm of a larger one over the legacy of the 1950s project, in which leaders in the Black community have long sought redress from the powers that be in Pittsburgh’s political, business and sports realms.
The Penguins didn’t come into existence until 1967, playing first in one arena in the former neighborhood and now in a newer one nearby. But Kevin Acklin, president of business operations for the Penguins, said the team is “recognizing our role here as a steward” of the property and its legacy.
“Mistakes that were made 70 years ago, we can’t fix them, but we can do what we can today for a better future, for restorative justice,” Acklin said.
He hopes the agreement, and the larger efforts to remake the site, can serve as a model for other U.S. cities with the wounds of similar mid-20th-century urban renewal projects.
“We have the ability to do good and work with a group of people and a church that’s trying to do good,” Acklin said, adding a biblical aphorism: “To whom much is given, much is expected.”
The announcement was scheduled for Friday at an outdoor setting on the former arena site, preceded by a worship service, underscoring the role of faith as a motivating and organizing source for Bethel’s efforts.
“Mistakes that were made 70 years ago, we can’t fix them, but we can do what we can today for a better future, for restorative justice.”
Penguins president of business operations Kevin Acklin
The aptly named Hill District, which rises steeply to the east of the city’s central business district, became a hub for Black culture in the 20th century, renowned for its jazz clubs and other touchstones portrayed in many of the plays of acclaimed dramatist August Wilson.
Bethel AME had a prominent role in that community. Founded around 1808 and considered Pittsburgh’s oldest Black church, it was active from its earliest years in childhood education and civil rights. It opened a large brick church in 1906 in the Lower Hill District, with rounded arches and a prominent tower, home to 3,000 members at its peak.
But in the 1950s, public officials from the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh declared much of the Lower Hill to be blighted. It oversaw demolition of about 1,300 buildings across 95 acres, displacing over 8,000 people, more than 400 business and multiple houses of worship — although not a mostly white Catholic church, as Bethel members have noted.
Bethel leaders fought the church’s demolition unsuccessfully, ultimately receiving $240,000 for a property that had been valued at $745,000. The Rev. Dale Snyder, pastor of Bethel, has said that in the racial and political climate of the time, the church had little power to obtain fair compensation.
A crosstown highway, civic arena and some housing were built in the former neighborhood, but other planned structures never materialized. The result was a concrete and asphalt gash between the downtown and the Hill District, which continues to struggle economically.
Under agreements with public authorities, the Penguins have development rights to 28 acres of the former arena site. A 26-story mixed-use building is on the rise, and a small urban park has opened, with other projects on the drawing board.
Bethel, meanwhile, now worships further up in the Hill District. Its more modest, modern sanctuary is bathed in the light of stained-glass windows, telling stories of the Bible and honoring Methodist stalwarts such as AME pioneer Richard Allen.
Among those planning to attend Friday’s announcement is Bishop Kurt Kusserow of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. He is among the faith leaders who have supported Bethel in its efforts for reparations. The relationship grew out of a Lutheran-AME dialogue that was rooted in tragedy — the 2015 racist massacre of nine attendees of a Bible study at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina.
When ELCA leaders learned that the killer had been a member of one of its churches, they called for members of their predominantly white denomination to build ties with AME churches.
“As we learned more about white privilege and all of that reality in our country,” Kusserow said, “it was our responsibility to use that privilege in any possible way to accompany what the AME church was seeking in terms of reparations.”
Acklin said the 1.5-acre site is larger than the 13,000-square-foot property that Bethel formerly owned and which has been designated for other uses. He sees the agreement as part of larger efforts to work with the Hill District community to restore its former connections to downtown.
In 2014, all the major parties involved — which include the city, county and two public authorities — agreed to a plan intended to include Hill District stakeholders. But the long process has required vigilance to ensure the new developments benefit the neighborhood, said Marimba Milliones, president of Hill Community Development Corp.
“When we’re talking about addressing a historic wrong, it has to be for the entire site,” Milliones said. “The return of this land [to Bethel] is important, and we should celebrate it, but we have to keep our eyes on the broader development as we celebrate because the whole site is entangled in questions of morality and questions of good urban development and equity.”
The 2025-26 MLB hot stove was lit just days after the Los Angeles Dodgers hoisted their second consecutive World Series championship trophy.
All eyes this winter are on a free agent hitting class featuring Kyle Tucker, Kyle Schwarber (who is returning to the Phillies on a five-year deal), Cody Bellinger, Alex Bregman and Pete Alonso. But they’re not the only ones who will make a splash in the market.
Which teams will go big to contend for the 2026 World Series title? And who will make the trades and signings that have everyone buzzing?
Below is a running list of notable transactions and updates from throughout the MLB offseason.
Key links: Offseason grades | Top 50 free agents | Fantasy spin | Best fits
Notable MLB offseason transactions
Dec. 9
Closer Edwin Diaz and the Dodgers are in agreement on a three-year, $69 million deal, sources tell ESPN.
Kyle Schwarber and the Philadelphia Phillies are in agreement on a five-year, $150 million contract, sources told ESPN, reuniting the National League home run leader with the team he has played for the past four seasons.
Dec. 8
Left-hander Steven Matz and the Tampa Bay Rays are in agreement on a two-year contract, pending physical, sources tell ESPN.
Free agent pitcher Michael Soroka and the Arizona Diamondbacks are in agreement on a one-year deal, pending a physical, sources tell ESPN.
Dec. 6
The Washington Nationals traded left-hander Jose Ferrer to the Seattle Mariners for top catching prospect Harry Ford and minor league pitcher Isaac Lyon, the teams announced Saturday.
Dec. 4
The Boston Red Sox acquired right-hander Johan Oviedo from the Pittsburgh Pirates in a five-player trade that sent heralded outfield prospect Jhostynxon Garcia to Pittsburgh, the teams announced Thursday.
Dec. 3
Outfielder Cedric Mullins has agreed to a one-year deal with the Tampa Bay Rays, according to multiple reports.
Free agent closer Emilio Pagan has agreed to return to the Cincinnati Reds on a $20 million, two-year contract, according to multiple reports.
World Series hero Miguel Rojas is returning to the Dodgers in 2026, for what will be his final season in the major leagues, sources told ESPN. The infielder agreed to terms on a one-year, $5.5 million deal, after which he will be assisting the front office and helping in player development.
Left-handed reliever Sam Hentges and the San Francisco Giants agreed to a $1.4 million, one-year contract.
Left-hander Anthony Kay and the Chicago White Sox are in agreement on a two-year, $12 million contract with a club option for a third season, sources told ESPN.
Dec. 2
Right-hander Cody Ponce, who won KBO MVP honors last season, and the Toronto Blue Jays are in agreement on a three-year, $30 million contract, sources told ESPN
Former KBO pitcher Ryan Weiss is in agreement with the Houston Astros on a one-year contract that guarantees him $2.6 million, sources told ESPN.
Right-hander Alek Manoah and the Los Angeles Angels are in agreement on a one-year, $1.95 million contract, a source tells ESPN.
Dec. 1
Reliever Devin Williams and the New York Mets are in agreement on a three-year contract that guarantees more than $50 million, sources tell ESPN.
Nov. 29
Closer Ryan Helsley and the Baltimore Orioles agreed on a two-year contract that includes an opt-out after the first season.
Nov. 26
Right-hander Dylan Cease and the Toronto Blue Jays agreed on a seven-year, $210 million contract.
Nov. 25
The Boston Red Sox acquired veteran right-hander Sonny Gray in a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals.
Nov. 23
The New York Mets and Texas Rangers agreed to a trade that would send second baseman Marcus Semien to the Mets and outfielder Brandon Nimmo to the Rangers.
Nov. 21
The Chicago Cubs and right-handed reliever Phil Maton agreed on a two-year deal.
The Giants acquired outfielder Joey Wiemer from the Marlins for cash and agreed to terms with right-hander JT Brubaker on a one-year contract.
The Arizona Diamondbacks agreed to a one-year, $2.75 million deal with veteran catcher James McCann.
Nov. 19
The Braves re-signed closer Raisel Iglesias to a one-year, $16 million contract.
The Atlanta Braves acquired Mauricio Dubon from the Houston Astros for Nick Allen in an exchange of infielders.
Nov. 18
The Baltimore Orioles acquired outfielder Taylor Ward from the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for right-hander Grayson Rodriguez.
New York Yankees outfielder Trent Grisham, Detroit Tigers infielder Gleyber Torres, Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Brandon Woodruff and Chicago Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga accepted their qualifying offers, meaning they’ll return to their respective teams in 2026 at salaries of $22.025 million.
Nov. 17
Reliever Ryan Yarbrough will be back in the Bronx after agreeing to a one-year deal with the New York Yankees.
Nov. 16
First baseman Josh Naylor and the Seattle Mariners have finalized a five-year, $92.5 million contract that has a full no-trade clause and no deferrals, sources tell ESPN.
Nov. 4
Chicago Cubs SP Shota Imanaga becomes free agent after team, player reject options for 2026
Nov. 3
Milwaukee Brewers exercise option on SP Freddy Peralta; SP Brandon Woodruff declines option
Boston Red Sox 3B Alex Bregman opts out of contract; SP Lucas Giolito declines option
New York Yankees OF Cody Bellinger declines option
New York Mets 1B Pete Alonso, RP Edwin Díaz opt out of contracts
Key offseason dates
Nov. 6: Free agency begins at 5 p.m. ET
Nov. 10-13: GM meetings in Las Vegas
Nov. 18-20: Owners meetings in New York
Nov. 18: Deadline to accept or reject qualifying offer
Nov. 21: Non-tender deadline
Dec. 8-10: Winter meetings in Orlando
Dec. 9: MLB draft lottery
Dec. 10: Rule 5 draft
-
Jorge Castillo
ORLANDO, Fla. — New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone said the Toronto Blue Jays “kicked our ass” in 2025, but he doesn’t believe the gap between the American League East rivals is nearly as wide as the matchups indicated.
The Blue Jays went 8-5 against the Yankees during the regular season, including a 6-1 record in Toronto, serving as the tiebreaker for the American League East title after both teams finished an AL-best 98-64. The Blue Jays then overwhelmed the Yankees in four games in the AL Division Series, outscoring them 34-19 on their way to falling a game short of winning the World Series.
“We ended up with the identical records last year,” Boone said. “I don’t want to discount that they kicked our ass last year. Don’t take it out of context. … We had the same exact record, but they obviously were a great team last year and an eyelash away from winning a world championship. So, they certainly proved to be the better team this year.”
The Blue Jays, after dropping Game 7 of the World Series to the Los Angeles Dodgers, have been active this offseason, signing free agent starters Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce to fortify a rotation that included Kevin Gausman, Trey Yesavage, Shane Bieber, and Jose Berrios.
Toronto also remains interested in retaining infielder Bo Bichette or signing outfielder Kyle Tucker, the consensus top player on the free agent market, according to sources.
This offseason, the Yankees have given center fielder Trent Grisham the $22.025 million qualifying offer and re-signed Ryan Yarbrough to a $2.5 million deal.
General manager Brian Cashman told reporters Sunday that the club remains interested in re-signing free agent outfielder Cody Bellinger, while the team also seeks to add more right-handed hitters. Bellinger is a left-handed hitter, but he was elite against left-handed pitchers last season, batting .353 with a 1.016 OPS in 176 plate appearances against lefties.
Other Yankees priorities include bolstering the bullpen and acquiring a starting pitcher, with Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon expected to begin the season on the injured list.
-
Sports2 years agoStory injured on diving stop, exits Red Sox game
-
Sports3 years ago‘Storybook stuff’: Inside the night Bryce Harper sent the Phillies to the World Series
-
Sports2 years agoGame 1 of WS least-watched in recorded history
-
Sports3 years agoButton battles heat exhaustion in NASCAR debut
-
Sports3 years agoMLB Rank 2023: Ranking baseball’s top 100 players
-
Sports4 years ago
Team Europe easily wins 4th straight Laver Cup
-
Environment3 years agoJapan and South Korea have a lot at stake in a free and open South China Sea
-
Environment1 year agoHere are the best electric bikes you can buy at every price level in October 2024