Back in 2000, when Neighborhood Needs funding was initiated, the impetus for this master-planning document came from the Hazelwood community through Hazelwood Initiative, Inc. with a request to Councilman Bob O'Connor for allocation of Neighborhood Needs funding for this purpose. With the closure of the Hazelwood LTV Coke Works, and a need to improve the neighborhood and business district of Greater Hazelwood, the timing was perfect for initiation of such a study.

Through the Department of City Planning, the process was organized with a study oversight committee including community representatives. During the fall of 2000, small, block level meetings were held to explain the process and to begin the brainstorming of ideas for the LTV site. The oversight committee sent out request for proposals to various qualified consultants who were interviewed and short-listed. The Saratoga Associates (TSA) was chosen to conduct the study.

After conducting stakeholder interviews and research, TSA held several public meetings reporting preliminary findings. In May 2001, TSA facilitated an all day design workshop. One hundred people from the Hazelwood and Oakland communities participated in this workshop that led to the vision for the area. This visioning plan recommended options for the LTV site and surrounding neighborhoods. Its main focus was for mixed-use development to occur on the LTV site. This development and redevelopment of the surrounding communities would strengthen the neighborhoods; connect neighborhoods to institutions between Hazelwood and Oakland through Junction Hollow; and provide residential/commercial/recreational/educational opportunities.

Since its completion in December 2001, the Hazelwood and Oakland communities have been focusing on the vision of this plan and its implications on various planning projects. It is important that the Planning Commission received and acknowledged this planning document as record. Now it has been recommended that: "The staff be directed to consider 'Master Development Planning in Hazelwood and Junction Hollow,' December 2001, prepared by The Saratoga Associates for the City of Pittsburgh, as they review development projects on the LTV site, in Hazelwood, and in Junction Hollow."