Ravenstahl: Open the Curfew Center

Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl is calling on City Council Members to listen to the citizens and vote on a contract to open a curfew center. The center would be used as a drop off and social service center for youth picked up for violating the city’s curfew laws. Ravenstahl reached a deal with Three Rivers Youth to run a center at 200 N. Dithridge St. in North Oakland earlier this year. The contract comes with a half million-dollar price tag. Council postponed a vote on the deal last month until they could hold a public hearing. That hearing came a week and a half ago and Ravenstahl says the result was clear that the citizens want the center. He says, “This is not something I came up with. This was requested by police and the people who live in the neighborhoods.” The measure could come up for debate Wednesday. Ravenstahl says he originally wanted to open the center May 1st to make sure it was in place and running before the summer when more youth hit the streets after hours. Three Rivers Youth will not only hold the curfew violators but also will give them and their families counseling and connect them with other social service agencies. Ravenstahl says police will not enforce the city’s curfew law until a center is operating. Council President Doug Shields has come out against the center in the past and Bill Peduto and Jim Motznik are on record as being in favor of curfew enforcement. It is unclear if there are enough votes on council to pass the measure.