Recall last summer that Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto was dealing with complaints from Downtown business owners, restaurants and the Cultural Trust about the number of homeless people and crime Downtown. In an interview with KDKA, the mayor promised more police but said that Downtown is where social services are provided; it “isn’t the playground for the rich” and that “if you don’t expect to see” panhandlers, “go to a shopping mall.” A jaw-dropping response.
Sidewalks, roads and bridges are crumbling. Buses are falling into sink holes. Multiple storefronts are boarded up. Retail shopping has disappeared. I doubt anyone would view Pittsburgh as a “playground for the rich.”
The mayor was on the news once again commenting that the city had exhausted its reserves and was fast running out of cash. Layoffs are imminent.
People who live in the suburbs are not venturing into the city to spend their money for fear of being harassed or assaulted. Business spending is a thing of the past as more people work from home.
I wonder if Peduto still wants people to go to the malls and suburbs? Be careful what you wish for, Mr. Mayor. It’s come true.
Robert Myers
Murrysville