Youngstown woman pushes city for change in Brier Hill

EDITOR’S NOTE — As 2014 winds down, The Vindicator is taking a daily look back at the people and events that made this year unforgettable. “The Vindicator Rewind” will highlight and update a memorable story from 2014.

YOUNGSTOWN

Patricia Coney loves her Norwood Avenue home, which her parents bought in 1955, but says she’s deeply concerned about the poor and dangerous condition of numerous nearby vacant buildings.

Rather than do nothing but complain about the deterioration of her Brier Hill neighborhood, Coney is a frequent caller to city hall when she sees a problem.

“I’ve seen the deterioration of the neighborhood,” she said. “I want to just live here in peace. Most of the neighbors are older and don’t want to get involved. They’re afraid to speak up, but I’m not. At times, it’s a one-person fight to save my neighborhood.”

Coney’s track record speaks for itself.

“I’ve been able to get the city to take seven houses down in my neighborhood,” she said.

Read more about the efforts of this woman who's making a difference in the city in Friday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.