A lot to love about Youngstown

A lot to love about Youngstown

I have always stated that I love my city of Youngstown, Ohio, despite her high ratings in violent crime and per diem murder rates. I always felt that given the right circumstances this city could be as successful as any in the country; including Atlanta, Cleveland, Columbus, etc. As soon as the weather broke, my thoughts seemed to come true. Our city is doing nice things, particularly in the entertainment field. Rosetta Stone Cafe, The Cedars, Love’s, The Lemon Grove, Club Kush and others (forgive me if I omitted your names) are all bringing a new spirit of life in Youngstown during the evening hours.

Yes, it would be nice if we had manufacturing and retailing returned to our area, but the entertainment industry is a nice start. And once these pay off, who knows, maybe Bloomingdale’s, or Macy’s may gamble on a new vibrant Youngstown.

Not only do I want to thank Mayor Jay Williams for his hand in our new rebirth, but also I would like to thank Mayor McKelvey. The new “entertainment district” with lower prices for alcohol licenses was launched under his watch, allowing restaurateurs to expand their businesses.

The only issue that I have, which is not a complaint or a criticism, is that I would like to see more outside cafes downtown. Currently, only the Rosetta Stone has one, I think I remember when BW3 had one, but the weather is too nice to be cooped up inside. I hope the city will once again invest in “Party on the Plaza” this year, along with a lot of ethnic celebrations. People should know how much safer downtown Youngstown is becoming and more importantly, how much diversity there is; there are all kinds of different genres represented during the weekend downtown.

I would also encourage Mayor Williams to start having staff meetings in the presence of the people, while outside in one of the outside cafes.

Clyde Bert Williams, Austintown