Police zero in on South Side dumping grounds

Police say lawlessness pervades the neighborhood.
By PATRICIA MEADE
VINDICATOR CRIME REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- South Side properties that become dumping grounds for trash and hangouts for criminals are being targeted by police.
Patrolman Bill Ward, in response to complaints by residents and Councilman Paul Pancoe, D-6th, visited two vacant structures Thursday. He also spoke to a homeowner about cleaning up property.
Ward's findings were passed on to the city's housing and litter departments.
At 72-74 W. Florida Ave., Ward found an abandoned Buick in the rear yard of the brick duplex and red-tagged it for towing. He also found garbage and debris someone dumped in the yard. The officer said the garage is unsound and appears near collapse.
Ward said in his report "a general spirit of lawlessness" exists in the neighborhood, noting many stolen vehicles have been found there and a recent homicide was just two blocks south.
He described a vacant duplex at 2821-2823 Trenton Ave. as a haven for criminals and target for vandals and tire dumpers.
He said the structure is "personification of urban blight" and represents a health and arson hazard and should be demolished.
The officer also spoke to the resident of 2811 Trenton about junk cars, litter and dogs. The 68-year-old man was cooperative and agreed to clean up the place within 10 days, reports show.
A deputy dog warden issued a citation to the man for having unlicensed dogs.