Councilwoman, mayor at odds over Youngstown grass-cutting program

YOUNGSTOWN — Councilwoman Janet Tarpley, D-6th, said the city administration’s grass-cutting program is failing – something disputed by the mayor.

Standing on Florida Street, just off of Market Street on the South Side, Tarpley pointed to several lots today there that have not been cut with grass about four to six feet tall.

“I’m frustrated,” Tarpley said. “We should be embarrassed to have people live like this.”

Mayor John A. McNally said more lots have been mowed in the last five or six weeks than were mowed all last year.

“I recognize and am aware of areas across the city with high grass,” he said. “It will be taken care of, but in a city our size, it takes time. But I see more grass being cut.”

In addition to the street department, the city signed a $102,168 contract in March with the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corp. to supervise and manage grass cutting, and cleaning debris and illegal dumping sites.

For the complete story, read Friday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com