Boardman residents protest proposed move of county court

NEW MIDDLETOWN

A potential new location for Mahoning County Area Court in Boardman has run into a wall of opposition from neighbors on South Avenue who say the court would bring unwanted traffic to their neighborhood and threaten the safety of their children.

But the owner of the two-story professional building at 8324 South Ave. told the county commissioners his building is conducive to good security, has multiple entrances and ample parking and is on a main thoroughfare.

“Why would we put convicted criminals on parole or those accused of crimes in the front yard of our families?” asked Jenefer Basista of Mayfield Drive, one of nine neighbors voicing opposition at Thursday evening’s commissioners’ meeting at Springfield Intermediate School.

“Keep the courthouse out of my neighborhood, and please keep our children safe,” she urged the commissioners.

For the complete story, read Friday's Vindicator or Vindy.com.