Mayor Gainey vows to open pool on Pittsburgh’s North Side amidst safety concerns from residents

In Allegheny Commons East, next to the Sue Murray Pool, our cameras caught people with drug paraphernalia, a man passed out, and two women fighting just feet away from small children.

A homeowner who didn’t want to be identified tells us in the last two years, the crime near the pool has increased dramatically. He tells Channel 11 drug sales and prostitution happen in broad daylight every day. He recently caught an addict sleeping in his backyard.

“We’re taking their concerns seriously.”

Mayor Ed Gainey and his staff attended a community meeting on the North Side and announced that the Sue Murray Pool will open. It comes after the city said days ago it wouldn’t open because of safety issues and a lifeguard shortage.

“As we start to open this up, you’ll see different public safety interventions that will be happening at the park. Addressing the pool, the park and East Ohio Street is a process,” said Mayor Gainey.

The mayor says the workshop Tuesday night was to talk with neighbors, find out the problems and come up with solutions. But neighbors tell us they’re tired of talking and ready for action.

The mayor also brought up the possibility of security at the pool, but that’s not set in stone.

Community groups are meeting next week to finalize the pools schedule.

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