Council urges residents to help improve quality of life

By David Skolnick

The minor issues lead to people moving out of the city, a councilman says.

YOUNGSTOWN — The little things can go a long way toward improving the quality of life in Youngstown, city council members say.

The seven council members had a press conference — a first for this group — Tuesday, urging residents to do small things such as mow their lawns, don’t park their cars in front yards or on the sidewalk, and keep the volume down on their car stereos.

The council members also urged residents who see or hear violations to these and other similar laws to ask their neighbors to follow the rules. If that doesn’t work or isn’t possible, they should contact city officials, including the police if need be.

“People move out of the city because of these problems,” Councilman John R. Swierz, D-7th, said of the minor issues.

Also, ignoring the small problems creates larger problems, they said.

When asked about the violent weekend that left two dead and four injured in two separate incidents, the council members said there is little that can be done to avoid most shootings.

About 80 percent to 85 percent of shootings in the city happen because relationships go sour between people who are participating in illegal activities, said Councilman DeMaine Kitchen, D-2nd.

“There’s a perception that if you drive through the city you need a bullet-proof shield,” he said. “But if you’re not doing anything illegal, chances are you’re going to be safe.”

Residents have to report all crimes they see, said Councilman Jamael Tito Brown, D-3rd.

Brown said he calls the police even when he sees small drug deals in his community.

“We’re not going to tolerate it,” he said.

Small crimes can quickly escalate to bigger and more serious ones, he said.

Also, vacant houses are breeding grounds for criminal activity, said Councilwoman Carol Rimedio-Righetti, D-4th.

Community block watch members need to be “more vigilant” about monitoring vacant houses in their neighborhoods.

“We want people to be good neighbors and take care of their property,” added Councilwoman Janet Tarpley, D-6th.

The council members listed the following as minor city ordinances that should be monitored:

- Grass or weeds over eight inches tall.

- Cars parking on grassy areas or on the sidewalk.

- Loud music.

- Trash curbside more than 12 hours before pickup.

- Those under the age of 18 breaking the city’s 11 p.m. curfew.

skolnick@vindy.com