CIC needs to reconsider downtown building plans

EDITOR:
I am writing concerning the recently proposed $7.1 million government office and $3 million 7th District Court of Appeals facilities to be constructed on West Federal Street in downtown Youngstown. The Youngstown Central Area Community Improvement Corp. seems bent on the idea of demolishing most of the historic buildings on West Federal Street and replacing them with unimaginative single-use government facilities. While other cities have realized that downtowns thrive when historic buildings are renovated and that new construction promotes multiple uses (ground level commercial and upper floor residential and office space), Youngstown is repeating the same mistakes on West Federal Street that were made in the past on East Federal Street.
What good does it do to build two government facilities in an area that should be designated as the entertainment district? Will there be any reason for people to walk along the north side of West Federal between Powers Auditorium and Phelps Street? Indeed, will government employees have any reason to support businesses on Federal when they can park on the ground floor of the government building and cross the street via a skywalk? Ask any of the businesses in downtown Cincinnati about the effects of their skywalk system. It has severely reduced street-level foot traffic.
I would hope that the CIC would re-examine its plans. Why not build the Court of Appeals facility across the street from the Federal Courthouse at the northwest corner of Wick and Commerce? If the new government office building goes in on West Federal, revise plans so that commercial space is built on the ground level. I'm sure that the rental income would be an attractive incentive.
Demolishing what remains of historic downtown is a choice, not a necessity! When $25 million is pending for urban redevelopment in the downtown area, why waste $450,000 in city funds on demolition when it could be used toward rehabilitation?
JAMES BOYD
Youngstown
Find the money to make juvenile justice a priority
EDITOR:
Tunnel vision is what has continually held this great community back. I can sit quietly no longer. Commissioners, find the money! With so many dysfunctional families these days, the influence of drugs and unemployment, how can funding of the Juvenile Justice Center even be an issue? From what I understand, with a successful lawsuit costing taxpayers about $100,000 in legal costs, Judge Dellick is requesting less than that amount for this year's operating budget.
I have visited the Juvenile Justice Center and seen firsthand what great things are being accomplished. They are giving families hope. I believe only one of our present commissioners has taken time for a visit. Our entire community's "good health" is contingent on the welfare of its youth. These young people can either be helped in rehab or set loose on the streets to rob any of us for drug money. The Juvenile Justice Center is making sure they are in school and getting an education. If our fine community is to continue its rebirth, a change of attitude is needed and priorities need to be changed.
PHYLLIS RICCHIUTI
Poland
Judge Dellick's real problem
EDITOR:
Being a judge and a lawyer, when Judge Dellick goes shopping for a car, she may look at top of the line, such as a Cadillac, when a Chevrolet will do the job. I'm sure the same holds true for the Juvenile Court. With the county in the shape it's in, a Chevy will do. If the judge can't accomplish this, we should be able to find someone who will.
Also, the parents of the juveniles should be the ones to go to jail.
BOB SLOVKOVSKY
Youngstown