Pittsburgh may create areas specifically for homeless camps

[FakeNoose]

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette link: https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-local/2023/11/20/pittsburgh-homelessness-encampments-city-council-zoning/stories/202311200060

Pittsburgh City Council is considering new zoning changes to create specific areas within the city designated for homeless encampments.

The proposed changes introduced Monday would allow the city to create a “temporary managed community” where people who are experiencing homelessness could have access to temporary or permanent structures to use as shelter. Such camps could have no more than 50 residents at any given time and would have to include access to restrooms and bathing facilities.

For a site to receive the temporary managed community designation under the legislation, the owner of the property would have to apply for a zoning permit. The city would host a community meeting ahead of any application approval. All applicants would be required to include a written record of the meeting, a summary of any follow-up plans with the community, and a site plan that shows the site meets all the zoning requirements.

The legislation was referred on Monday to the Planning Commission for its report and recommendation. After that, it would return to City Council for further discussion. The proposed zoning changes come as temperatures drop and Pittsburgh shelters have begun preparing to open at maximum capacity to accommodate as many people experiencing homelessness as possible. Multiple people spoke in favor of the legislation during a City Council session on Monday, but some made further suggestions.

- more at link -

Well something needs to be done, and quickly. It's getting down below freezing at night now. It seems there are enough empty unused buildings in the city that could be safely re-purposed for homeless people. However other residents would not be happy.

[bullimiami]

1. I say good for them for at least trying something.

If it helps, great.
If it fails, try something else.

[bucolic_frolic]

2. Reconnecting people to regimented, normal, everyday society requires more than a roof and hot water

You need to bring the sociologists, counselors, weekly contact folks.

[twodogsbarking]

3. Homelessness could be a greater problem than immigration. It really sucks.

[et tu]

4. tax the uber rich

we as a country need to care for all of our citizens
hope the burgh has success with this~

[FakeNoose]

5. Great idea, except we don't have many of those in the city of Pittsburgh

The Carnegies, Phipps, Mellons, and Fricks are long gone from here. We do have some upper middle class and a few one-per-centers but they don't live in the city limits, that I know of. Most of them are oblivious anyway.

If Pittsburgh can find a workable solution to our homeless problem, I believe we'll eventually receive some help from the Commonwealth (state govt.) But winter is right around the corner and something needs to be done immediately. Harrisburg isn't coming to anyone's rescue in the next few months.