Brownlee Woods residents gather

Although they have some complaints, Brownlee Woods residents like living in the city.
By PETER H. MILLIKEN
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Neighborhood blight problems -- high grass, boom boxes and neglected rental properties -- are among the most often expressed concerns of members of a Brownlee Woods block watch.
Members of the Snoop Block Watch voiced these concerns as they gathered for a block picnic Saturday in the 1900 block of Pointview Avenue.
Mary Krupa of Neilson Avenue, block watch vice president and treasurer, who moved back to the city last year after 16 years in Colorado, said she wants city officials to address "the deteriorating houses and properties." She'd also like more street sweeping to occur.
"This is my home, and I like it better here than in Colorado. I like the family values. I like the ethnicity. It's my heritage," said Krupa, who wore a Youngstown bicentennial souvenir shirt issued in 1996. Krupa said she's tired of local residents' maligning the city. "If people are stuck in that frame of mind, they're never going to get out of it and try and build on the good things that are definitely here," she said.
Take care of problems
Although she realizes the city is in a financial crisis, Mary Osgood, also of Neilson Avenue, said she wants city officials to address high grass at vacant houses, "the boom boxes that shatter your house," and street repair.
Stanley Lutz, who resides in the block where the party was held, said he wants the city's help "just to clean up the blocks that are run down." As for his block, he said, "You can't find a better bunch of people to live with."
"We do seem to have a recurring individual coming by with an amplified sound system in his car that makes noise in the evening. That's kind of disturbing," said Robert Kirtos, who also resides in the 1900 block of Pointview. "The leadership here, from the mayor on down, should do more to try to bring some business here," he added.
"Clean up the homes that are vacant and keep their grass cut, and just keep up the neighborhoods," said Tom Smith, who resides in the same block. His wife, Tammy, said the city should make sure landlords take care of their properties.
Jean Carkido of Sheridan Road wants the city to begin "cutting of some of the grass that hasn't been cut this year at houses," both vacant and occupied, and bill the property owners. "I like Youngstown, and I like Brownlee Woods because I was born here and know everybody, and I feel safe here," she added.
Meeting neighbors
With the street barricaded to traffic, a diverse group of several dozen people of all ages gathered on a sunny afternoon to meet their neighbors and enjoy the refreshments. The group included many longtime neighborhood residents and many children.
City Council President John R. Swierz, a former city firefighter, briefly wore the McGruff crime dog costume, which he said made him very hot. Fire Engine 9 and its crew, based two blocks away, arrived to open a hydrant and attach a hose and sprayer so residents could cool off.