YOUNGSTOWN Authorities probe citizens group over use of funds for playground

The investigation focuses on coalition members who had access to the money.
By ROGER G. SMITH
CITY HALL REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Authorities are investigating whether money was misused for a South Side community playground project.
The investigation centers on how about $10,000 was appropriated for the roughly $80,000 Ipe's Kids World project.
The 7th Ward Citizens' Coalition has been raising money to pay for the youth-designed playground. The investigation focuses on those within the coalition who had access to the money, said Maj. Michael Budd of the Mahoning County Sheriff's Department.
Looking for answers: Investigators started looking into the project about two weeks ago. They expect to finish their work in about a week, he said. A complaint from within the coalition was made about possible inappropriate use of the money, Budd said.
He isn't sure yet if anyone will be charged.
"We hope there's a good explanation for the way the money has been allocated and this project can go forward," Budd said.
No coalition officers could be reached to comment this morning.
Councilman John R. Swierz, D-7th, was a main force behind the project. Swierz, a coalition member, said he isn't sure if the controversy is stalling the project or not.
A few weeks ago coalition leaders produced a paid invoice of about $25,000 for the playground equipment, Swierz said. That left him under the impression everything was fine.
The new playground is scheduled to be built and open in the spring.
The coalition started raising money in spring 2000 for the project, which grew out of opposition to a proposed new shopping center on the site. About 18 months before, hundreds of neighbors protested turning Ipe Field into a $7.9 million plaza, so city officials dismissed the notion. Instead, residents said they wanted to see the Midlothian Boulevard park fixed up for kids.
The Boardman Rotary Club organized thousands of volunteers in 1993 to build a similar project in Boardman Park.
Seventh ward coalition members raised money by selling boards for $20 that will be part of the fence surrounding the playground, which will be accessible to children with disabilities. The donor's name is engraved on the board.
rgsmith@vindy.com