Enforce current laws to clean up Youngstown

Enforce current laws to clean up Youngstown
EDITOR:
I am writing in regards to a recent article that was written in Saturday's paper titled, "City cracking down on housing code violators." I strongly disagree with the creation of new laws when there are already laws of the same nature, which are not being enforced.
I have made repeated reports on unkempt properties such as 1733 Oak St., 1420 and 1421 Himrod and 533 S. Loveless. Reports have been made since the early '90s, and the buildings have supposedly been on the demolition list since 1989.
This problem will persist if we continue to create laws that no one is enforcing.
I started a program called Who's Who that, among many other things, has helped for years to keep yards clean and clean up neighborhoods of Youngstown. Yet we can't do this on our own. We need help not only from lawmakers but also from law enforcement officers.
Many times I have seen trash on unclean yards while police officers simply drive past and ignore the problem. It would only to take a few minutes to stop and cite property owners for their ignorance of the laws and the community.
What we need is more enforcement of the laws and less discussion of them.
JOSEPHINE HULETT
Youngstown
Speeding truckers risk water contamination
EDITOR:
While returning home last night on I-80 over the Meander Reservoir, I noticed our motorcoach was being passed by at least five 18-wheelers. What bothered me most is that they were all speeding in the non-truck lane over our source of drinking water.
In light of many recent news stories of contaminants and environmental issues, I took notice. Having travelled in this area during other recent times, I have noticed the same occurrence.
There should be constant patrolling by the state highway patrol of our water source for much of the Mahoning Valley.
I have no sympathy for anyone caught speeding in this area. I suggest this because I often see a patrol car sitting on Mahoning Avenue near K-Mart.
I realize this presence acts as a deterrent. However, I do feel that our local police department can adequately patrol this area.
Although I am sure the Austintown Police Department appreciates the practice of the state patrol, I feel that the preservation of our source of drinking water should be of highest priority.
HAROLD J. WILSON
Austintown
Billboards bring visual blight to community
EDITOR:
Returning from a two-week vacation, I was appalled to see six new billboards in various stages of construction along Mahoning Avenue from Raccoon Road to Wal-Mart.
I spoke with the Austintown trustees but was told that there is little they can do without home rule in place to let legislation be enacted to control such construction.
In any case, I am saddened that these merchants feel the need to bring visual blight to our community for the $100 a month they get for having one of these monstrosities on their property.
LINDA HAHN
Austintown