Some business owners on Pittsburgh’s North Side moving neighborhoods due to violence

PITTSBURGH — “I think there has been more crime,” said North Side/North Shore Chamber Of Commerce Executive Director Gina Grone.

She says the owner of East Street Beer Distributor was recently stabbed during an attempted robbery. And an employee of Max’s Tavern was robbed while making a bank deposit.

“I have heard concerns and reports of especially women that are changing their habits. Maybe not going out for a walk as late as they would or not walking through the park anymore. Just being more vigilant,” Grone explained.

Then there are the homeless encampments that have popped up all over the North Side. 11 News saw loads of trash and debris at the large encampment along the river between the Rachel Carson and Andy Warhol bridges.

“What we’ve been asking for from the city and from the mayor’s office is basically a number of plans. A public safety plan, a homelessness plan that involves short-, medium- and long-term goals.”

Meanwhile, Grone tells us that at least two small business owners might not re-sign their lease because of the drugs and violence happening in the area.

“It is frustrating to think that the perception is just as bad as it was 30 years ago. We did much work in the last couple of decades to change that perception.”

Grone says a new downtown shelter could be a short-term fix but she still needs help from the city to make the North Side more attractive for homeowners and businesses.

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