After nearly two decades of stalled plans — and clashing at times with community groups — the Pittsburgh Penguins’ hold over the Lower Hill District is coming to an end, an organization source confirmed Wednesday.

The team’s exclusive development rights to the 28-acre site around the former Civic Arena expires at midnight Thursday, and the Pens “are not expected to” pursue an extension, the source said.

The Penguins in 2007 gained the rights to the Lower Hill in a deal that kept the team from leaving the city. Over the years since, the team has pitched plans ranging from corporate headquarters to affordable housing — delivering on some promises while stalling on many others.

Two city agencies own the land — the Urban Redevelopment Authority and the Sports and Exhibition Authority — and

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