Trouble related to big events is marring our neighborhood

A native Pittsburgher, I moved Downtown a little over a year ago. To date, I have loved (almost) every minute of it. I have become part of a vibrant neighborhood on Penn Avenue. I have enjoyed the restaurants, the night life, Picklesburgh and Pirates games. Along with my everpresent yellow Lab, I have explored the North Shore and Open Streets and the Strip and all points in between.

I have patiently answered the same three questions — Where do you park your car? Where do you buy groceries? Where do you walk your dog? — over and over. I have been a cheerleader and an advocate for the city I loved long before it was cool to do so. I have been an ambassador to those who are even considering a move.

I am out and about from early morning to late night, during winter, spring, summer and fall. I have never, even once, felt like I was in danger. That all changed the weekend of the Regatta. I ventured out on my normal walk during late afternoon, and I could literally feel the charge of unrest in the air (police sirens, kids fighting and jumping on cars) — and I felt afraid (“Police Looking for Ways to Curb Fighting: Recent Downtown Incidents Draw Concern,” Aug. 9).

I hurried home and told myself it was an anomaly and no big deal. I told myself that next year I will just get out of Dodge for the big summer weekends and for Light Up Night. But since then, I have talked to my neighbors and we are all in agreement — this is going to happen again and it’s going to get worse. This is not just about the people whom we want to come Downtown for a visit, but also about those of us who have chosen to call it home. Those will have no choice but to leave if this isn’t addressed — swiftly, directly and effectively. MELISSA WALTERS

Downtown