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It looks as though plan E, or whatever we're on now, is quietly materializing. An article that just appeared on the PG's web site says the governor has pledged $30 million for three projects underway in the Fifth-Forbes district?

It seems they're skipping the glossy pamphlets this time.

The PG says the three projects underway are: retail and residential development near Market Street by the "Pittsburgh Task Force and developer Madison Marquette," a retail, residential and office complex between Wood and Market by PNC Financial Services and "reuse" of Lazarus now owned by the Regional Industrial Development Corp.

An earlier PG (Nov. 10) article reported a company called Millcraft Industries was close to securing the Lazarus building for transformation into a retail and residential condominium complex.

All this is good news. Downtown condo's are hot and more will be sure to add up to a more lively center city. Residential needs retail to work, however, and getting the right stores in place will be the key to long-term success.

What are the right stores? Ones that supply residents rather than serve as a destination for shoppers. They include grocers, discount stores, housewares even coffee shops. With any luck we'll see a Crate and Barrel, Trader Joes, Target and more in Downtown Pittsburgh. These would serve not only downtown residents, but retail-starved residents of Northside and Mount Washington as well.