Leaders exploring new plan to handle violence in Pittsburgh’s South Side

PITTSBURGH — A deadly shooting inside a barber shop and another deadly shooting in the street on the same block on the South Side.

The list of violent incidents isn’t limited to the summertime.

Leaders gathered to work on a solution.

They talked about a lot of possible situations, from cracking down on bars to bringing in more police.

They also brought up a plan about shutting down a portion of East Carson Street for pedestrians only, which was initially discussed earlier this year.

“I know you are talking about checkpoints and areas where we stop traffic,” said District Attorney Stephen Zappala.

District Attorney Stephen Zappla questioned Pittsburgh police and city council members about the proposed plan to close a section of East Carson Street.

As we first reported, the city wanted to do it earlier this year, but couldn’t get it ready in time. They’re now working on the plan for next spring.

Checkpoints manned by private security would be set up between 12th and 18th Streets; only pedestrians 21 and older would be allowed in.

“Really, a customer safety zone. making sure that everyone within that area is wanded, is of age has a valid ID,” said Pittsburgh City Councilman Bob Charland.

The checkpoint was one of the ideas discussed at a meeting convened by Zappala to get input on ways to improve safety in the popular entertainment corridor.after a double stabbing last weekend and two deadly shootings a month ago.

Commander Jeff Abraham says a few bars are to blame for most of the trouble.

“This corrupt criminal element that we are talking about it’s just a couple bad actors that are making the reputation of the South Side a bad place and this dangerous war zone, which it’s not,” Abraham said.

The group of council members, police administrators, magistrates and business owners is also talking about enforcing the noise ordinance, towing illegally parked cars and bringing in more police.

After listening to their concerns, the DA vowed to hold those bar owners accountable.

“I’m going to review the conduct of certain bars and, like I said, I intend to meet with them, the bar owners and their lawyers, and we’re going to tell them there’s certain conduct now, as we move forward, that’s not going to be acceptable,” Zappala said.

Councilman Charland says the other critical thing they need to do is attract new businesses to the corridor.

While approximately 13 have left, he says they’ve brought in 25 new businesses this year and are working on more.

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