ACTION takes lead to reclaim South Side areas

YOUNGSTOWN — Members of the community activists group Alliance for Congregational Transformation Influencing our Neighborhoods held a “Holy Ground March” in a lower South Side neighborhood and offered police some additional ideas on where to look for crime.

Several dozen people gathered in a parking lot across the street from St. Patrick Church on Oakhill Avenue this evening intent on reclaiming areas thought to be drug and crime infested.

Marching behind a large sign with the word “ACTION” across the front, marchers sang gospel hymns and calmly walked along Kenmore Avenue, Hillman Street and Market Street.

Marching along the streets, ACTION members passed out information to residents sitting on porches or standing outside. Some of the bystanders joined the marchers, but all accepted the reading material.

Led by area clergymen, the marchers stopped in front of two homes on Kenmore Avenue and, with the help of a megaphone, announced that the houses are suspected of harboring illegal activity and are being reclaimed by the community.

For the complete story, see Friday's Vindicator and Vindy.com.