Give us back our neighborhood

Give us back our neighborhood

Recently I’ve taken some criticism for placing signs at my Stewart Street home in Struthers. Let me be clear. We do not hate kids. We are not against kids skating and having fun. We are opposed to the Skate Park’s location.

This goes back to 2005, before the cement was poured or any money spent on construction. We begged the city officials at the time to please not place the skate park that close to our homes. We were ignored.

Mayor Stocker did inherit this problem. I support the mayor and intend to do so in the future. It was not our intention to embarrass City Hall. Only to get their attention.

My neighbors and I have been to council meetings to express our displeasure with the park’s location and ask that it be moved. Most recently my neighbors and I delivered a three-page address to city council outlining our concerns. It’s loud. Ignored.

Our new 1st Ward councilman Tony Fire has worked tirelessly to get the park moved. Meeting with officials at Metro Parks, with local businessmen, city officials, as well the residents of northern Stewart Street. We thank him for his efforts.

If the park were in a more appropriate location, it could be much better. Longer hours, restrooms, a pavilion for parents and grandparents. A shaded area would promote supervision.

Many of us have been here for decades. We only want our old peaceful neighborhood back. We are confident that City Hall will get the job done. If it could be relocated as quickly as it was built, everyone would be happy. So please don’t be too quick to judge. Ask yourself if this is something you would like in your front yard.

Steve Morgan, Struthers