Lt. governor, officials to tour neighborhoods

Area residents are invited to share concerns about the vacant properties in the city.

Staff Report

YOUNGSTOWN — Numerous studies detailing the ongoing battle with vacant properties have been introduced recently showing more than 4,000 vacant structures in Youngstown.

Vacant property campaigns coordinated by the Mahoning Valley Organizing Collaborative are at the forefront of the fight against blight in the city and its surrounding areas.

On Tuesday, the MVOC and area officials will welcome Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher and other state officials who deal with vacant property struggles in urban settings.

“This is our time to have our voice heard,” said the Rev. Michael Harrison, who is hosting Fisher at his church, Union Baptist, at 528 Lincoln Ave.

“The Valley has been a place often forgotten. This is about us communicating that a new day has arrived, with new leadership and a new vision for our future,” the Rev. Mr. Harrison said.

The state officials will take a tour of Youngstown neighborhoods in need of revitalization and hear the concerns of block-watch leaders.

After the tour, a free community luncheon will be hosted at noon Tuesday at the church.

“We are glad the lieutenant governor is coming, and we believe he is sincere in his commitment to find additional resources [to eliminate the vacant property issues facing the Valley],” Mr. Harrison said.

Seating is limited for the luncheon, but area residents are encouraged to attend and voice their worries. Those wishing to attend should RSVP by Monday by calling (330) 743-1196 or visiting www.mvorganizing.org.

The MVOC is a broad-based community organizing initiative, working to unite groups throughout the community to increase the quality of life in urban neighborhoods.