Letter to the editor: Homeless problem on Downtown bike trail

Regarding the article “‘Our Downtown is doing well,’ but there’s still work to do, Pittsburgh mayor tells forum” (Sept. 24, TribLIVE): Recently my wife and I biked on the Three Rivers Heritage Trail. While we have grown used to seeing homeless people along the trail, we encountered them in three different places, along the Allegheny River near the 16th Street Bridge on the North Shore, along the Ohio River past the casino on the Ohio River (including a large dog on a chain) and, most disappointing, near the George Floyd painting along the Allegheny Downtown. The stench from urine and human feces was overpowering in the last location.

Several folks I have talked with have stated that they no longer will bike alone from Millville into the North Shore or Downtown because of concerns. The city used to take pride in this bike trail; not so much now. I hope the mayor and City Council can restore the Downtown area.

Don Pellegrino

Robinson