Pittsburgh police look to open new Downtown substation on Wood Street

Pittsburgh police are looking to open a new substation in Downtown next year.

The new site at 439 Wood St. would replace the existing Zone 2 substation at 604 Liberty Ave., according to public safety officials.

Legislation introduced to City Council this week would authorize a $590,150, five-year agreement with PNC Financial Services Group for the new space.

Police are expecting to move into the new location on Jan. 1, said Cara Cruz, a spokesperson for the Department of Public Safety.

“The location will be a much more usable space and provide a more visible police presence,” she said, adding that the new site also would have gathering and meeting spaces on the first floor.

The second floor will be reserved for police, Cruz said. The basement will house police bikes and a repair area.

Officials have not yet said exactly how many officers are expected to be stationed there.

The measure will come before City Council next week for further discussion. Council could take a preliminary vote as early as next week and a final vote as soon as the following week.

This comes as Mayor Ed Gainey has said he would boost the police presence Downtown amid concerns from some about safety in the city’s Golden Triangle. The mayor has asserted that Downtown “is doing well,” but also acknowledged persistent concerns around issues such as homelessness, violence and cleanliness.