Block watch summit draws dozens of people, crime-fighting ideas

YOUNGSTOWN

A rash of car break-ins, vacant homes being used by drug dealers, excessive speeding and the occasional robbery are far too common in several sections of the city’s South Side and the northern portion of Boardman Township, many community leaders and residents say.

Also common to those areas, however, are those determined to tackle those problems head on.

That was the main thrust of the South Side/North Boardman Neighborhood Group Summit tonight at the Newport branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County, 3730 Market St. About 100 attended the 90-minute session.

The gathering brought together community leaders and members of the Newport Neighborhood Association, Boulevard Park Block Watch, Forest Glen Homeowners Association, North Boardman Neighborhood Watch and the Handel’s Block Watch group, all of which are in Boardman or on the South Side.

“It’s strength in numbers,” said Francine Jeffries, president of the Newport Neighborhood Association.

Read more of their ideas in Thursday's Vindicator or Vindy.com.