Pittsburgh officials to tear down homeless camp under 16th Street Bridge

Pittsburgh officials plan to tear down a homeless camp under the 16th Street Bridge at the border of the city’s North Shore and Troy Hill neighborhoods.

City officials on signs posted around the encampment said the decision to remove the camp was based on concerns at the site, including “evidence of conspicuous selling of illegal drugs or paraphernalia” and “intentional interference with maintenance efforts” conducted by the city.

Officials said there were “verified reports of violence or criminal activity, particularly where that involves threats to vulnerable individuals” at the site.

The notice also cited worries about fires beneath the bridges, flooding and health concerns.

Signs posted at the camp notified people staying there that they must leave by Dec. 15.

About a dozen tents were set up in the area Tuesday.

Allegheny County’s Department of Human Services has been working closely with people staying there for a few weeks, spokesman Mark Bertolet said. They are working to connect people with family support, shelters, social services and permanent housing.

“Close to 20 people have already been matched with housing supports and we’ll continue to support the work until the encampment is closed,” Bertolet said in a statement.

City rules require officials to offer indoor shelter space to anyone staying at a camp they’re tearing down.

City crews will store any belongings left at the site after it’s decommissioned. People can retrieve their belongings from the Office of Community Health and Safety for up to 90 days.

Officials in October cleared out a Downtown homeless camp amid concerns of drug problems.