Monday, September 22, 2003
EDITOR:
Youngstown city government is a national model for inefficiency. Many of our leaders lack vision and are more worried about themselves than what is best for the community.
Political infighting, ineptitude and the inability to compromise are Youngstown standards. We could blame anyone and everyone for this area's failures, but we're our own worst enemy.
Downtowns across the nation have rebounded and are flourishing -- but not Youngstown. Why not? Here is one example why. There was a great article in USA Today that concerned how minor league ballparks are anchoring downtown redevelopment. Building a dynamic ballpark in a mall parking lot instead of between the bridges was a major mistake. This lack of vision and leadership destroyed the single most important development project in what could have rejuvenated Youngstown.
Mayor McKelvey, what is your vision for downtown development? We need you to be bold and take charge. You should be gathering the brightest minds in the area when it comes to downtown development and the arena project, yet it seems like no one knows what is going on. Who are your constituents? Who are you trying to please. I believe Harry Meshel is correct in his assessment of the arena situation.
The proposed arena should be built as an anchor on the West End of downtown. Along with Powers, the Oakland, and the proposed remodeling of the State Theatre, this part of downtown would be a lively place. The arena project must have YSU as a partner, and it should be closer to the university. The West End of downtown allows for this. I feel that the private sector will come forth, bringing in new developments, if the arena is built here. The arena should be scaled back to 8,500 seats. Minor league sports, and most other events planned will not sell out a 10,000-seat arena on a regular basis. Down-scaling the size of the arena to 5,500 seats is an absolute insult to this area. You need to go after a top flight NHL minor league hockey affiliate, preferably an affiliate of Pittsburgh, Columbus or Detroit, not this rinky-dink all-Texas league that's been proposed. We deserve better.
Eventually, I can see the area between YSU and downtown being developed into apartments and condos.
A properly planned urban development of downtown Youngstown is obtainable. If you make the Mahoning River attractive for private development, investors will come, for the river's potential far exceeds whatever the suburbs have or will ever have. With first-rate entertainment, good security ad plenty of parking, people will flock to the site because this area is starved for this type of development.
Though I'm not a big gambler, legalized gambling has supposedly helped rejuvenate cities such as Windsor and Detroit, and these model cities should be studied. I'm excited about Youngstown 2010. I'm proud to be from this area and would move back if I could find a good job. Let us not waste any more economic opportunities.
NICHOLAS DuBOS
Pittsburgh