Neighbors: Allegheny Commons East is largest open-air drug market in Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH — Allegheny Commons East is the largest open-air drug market in the city of Pittsburgh, neighbors told Channel 11, and they’re worried the problem won’t ever get fixed.

A woman who has lived on Lockhart Street for 30 years said she cleans up syringes, used condoms and stamp bags of heroin from the park on Cedar Avenue all the time.

“I think there are more stamp bags than cigarette butts,” she said.

People living in the area said drug use, the selling of drugs and prostitution happen at all hours of the day and night. One man said people pass out in the parking lot frequently.

“Usually it’s 311 that I call. I don’t know that I’ve ever called 911 to report anything,” he said.

Channel 11 reached out to police about the issues. The department sent a statement:

“All formal police complaints and reports are investigated. In the meantime, officers do park and walks and directed patrols in the area every day, even overnight. Chief Schubert did a walk in Allegheny Commons one morning this week and spoke with residents about their concerns.

As well, officers from our Community Engagement Office (Neighborhood Resource Officers and Community Resource Officers) do walks in Allegheny Commons and East Allegheny regularly to speak with people about any issues they might be experiencing.”

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