What’s been happening to Crandall Park is a crime

What’s been happening to Crandall Park is a crime

EDITOR:

Poor Crandall Park.

The most elegant of all the city parks, now a playground for gang members.

Why? There is no caretaker in the day, and, I suspect, no security guard at night.

The park has been going down hill for a long time, areas surrounding the pond not raked or mowed in years, the fence across the pond in disrepair and the ducks not properly cared for.

Now, the final indignity has been committed upon it.

Last Sunday, I found the beautiful, historic house covered in graffiti, the sidewalks littered with beer cans, that will probably remain, like the leaves and other litter, that is rarely picked up, except by myself or other conscientious citizens.

I have overheard park workers say that they were told by the Park Department that only park properties that earn money are worth maintaining.

Beauty and nature do not have to justify themselves by earning money. They are a necessity, like art, for the well being of the people.

The park house is an historic building. I hope it is not being let go, like the original North Side Pool was, so politicians can have it torn down to rebuild an unnecessary and much less attractive new building.

Mayor Williams has boasted on television about the city’s financial surplus. Mr. Mayor, you do not have a legitimate surplus when public facilities are neglected.

You may ask why I haven’t complained to the Park Department or the mayor’s office. I have.

This is the most impregnable regime the city has ever had. I was allowed to speak to no one. At least George McKelvey called citizens back and took care of park problems when informed.

Lastly, without an official presence in Crandall Park, day and night, it is unsafe for citizens to enjoy and unsafe for the residents who live near it.

People of Youngstown, I beg you, do not let beautiful Crandall Park go the way of the rest of our city, to the gangs and the wrecking ball.

NANCY BIZZARRI

Youngstown

Full scholarships for jobless

EDITOR:

Youngstown State University should be at the forefront in helping the Mahoning Valley develop a new economy by assisting those who have lost their jobs learn new skills or start a new career. Free tuition for jobless workers is offered in many colleges in Pennsylvania. Kent State Trumbull has just announced a one-time tuition waiver for a person laid off from a full time position.

Why not expand the program and really make a difference for the Mahoning Valley residents who had to give up their dream of a college degree years ago or the young people who need better skills to succeed in this economy?

KATHY MILLER

Boardman

We’re in this together

EDITOR:

This letter is in response to Mayor Jay Williams’ article of Dec. 16. My family and I migrated to this area 30 years ago from Pittsburgh. We looked at several suburban areas such as Boardman and Austintown, but decided on Youngstown because the other areas lacked diversity. We weighed all factors such as location, size of home, schools, etc., in order to make our decision. As minorities, it is very important that your children grow up knowing and respecting their heritage at a early age.

Through my travels and experiences in this town, I have noticed that the people of Canfield, Poland and Boardman despise any reference to living near or around Youngstown and when asked by strangers outside of the area, they always answer, “I live in Poland, I live in Canfield and I live in Boardman.“ Never do they say I live in the Youngstown area in a place called Poland. This would give the outsider a better reference point, but would no doubt make them feel less important.

So now that Austintown is crying the blues, will they be willing to join the city in an economical effort that would benefit both areas? With the economic climate getting worse by the day, it will be impossible for these stand alone townships to survive without the combined resources of police, fire, emergency and government services.

I agree with the mayor. If you live in this area you are a part of what goes on in the city whether you like or not. Maybe instead of complaining and putting down the city, they should do something constructive.

LANCE SMITH

Youngstown

A Valley some don’t see

EDITOR:

Often times national publications portray our Valley in a negative light. The picture painted leaves those not living in the area questioning “Why would anyone want to live in Youngstown, Ohio?” This past holiday season I discovered the reason why. Quite honestly, it’s the people. Despite the economic hardships faced by those in our Valley, when a need is presented, they respond. The need I’m referring to is that of the homeless women and children living at Beatitude House.

Every year staff, board members and volunteers set up a store in which the children can “shop” for Christmas gifts for their mothers. This year, I have to admit I was concerned when I submitted the press release seeking donations. With news of banks failing, the stock market plunging, GM and other business laying workers off or closing, I wondered if we would receive any donations. I was amazed at the amount of support we received. Day after day the people of the Valley dropped off donations or called asking how they could help. We received so many items that we were able to share donated items with other nonprofit organizations.

I was blessed to witness the children shopping and was proud of our Valley when I heard several say “I can’t wait until mom sees this.” The smiles on their faces spoke volumes, and I knew they would have a wonderful holiday.

Our Valley has been through some rough times, but I am proud to be part of it. Regardless of how bleak outside publications try make it appear, we are strong were it matters most — in caring for those around us.

JENNIFER ROBERTS, Development Associate, Beatitude House

Youngstown

More special people

EDITOR:

What a very special letter Jan. 7 on page B-1 from a soldier concerning the special people in our area. My grandson was also a recipient of many cards and things from the Youngstown area. He was so surprised and grateful that people took the time in their busy lives to do this. He felt truly blessed and I would like to thank each one that has done something for our service men and women, whether it was cards, prayers or words of encouragement.

My granddaughter, who is also in the service, told me about all the people who have come up to her and thanked her for serving her country. They can’t imagine how good that made her feel.

Each and every one of those who serve our country are so special, and may God bless all of you.

BETTY FORD

Youngstown