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Vandals again target 9/11 Memorial in Austintown
By Justin Wier
AUSTINTOWN
Vandals have targeted the chapel at the 9/11 Memorial Park at 1051 S. Raccoon Road with increasing frequency over the last several months.
Ten months ago, Pat Connolly, chairman of the Austintown Beautification Committee, started noticing the trend. Three doors have been ruined. Six plastic candles were burned by people suspected of cooking crack and heroin. There are burn marks on the pews and carpet. A hacksaw was used to open a donation box.
Two weeks ago, Connolly resorted to closing the chapel. There is pink tape running across the door and a sign that reads: “Chapel temporary [sic] closed thanks to vandalism.”
“It’s gotten out of hand,” Connolly said. “Really out of hand.”
Several vulgar letters have been left in a notebook next to the chapel door, which Connolly has turned over to police. He said they all bear the same handwriting. He’s even hidden in the bushes, trying to find the people who are behind the vandalism.
Five years ago it was even worse, Connolly said. Someone had used the altar as a restroom. Then it died down for awhile, but it’s become a problem again recently.
On Monday, Connolly reached out to community members at the Austintown Township Board of Trustees meeting.
“We need your help,” he pleaded. “We need your eyes.”
He’s considering installing security cameras. It’s something Connolly has resisted because he doesn’t think people who come to the chapel to pray should be monitored. He still believes potential cameras should be restricted to the area outside the chapel.
Trustee Jim Davis is reaching out to companies interested in donating cameras. A man who was at the park Monday night also told Connolly he would donate cameras.
In response to the acts, Davis said the vandals would be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
“One thing that turns my stomach is vandalism of grave sites, memorial sites or anything to do with our veterans,” Davis said.
Both Davis and Connolly lamented having to close the chapel. Connolly said he was considering reopening it Tuesday night.
In the past, a man who said he came on hard times temporarily lived in the chapel with a blanket and space heater. Connolly allowed him to stay. When the man asked why, Connolly said, “How do I know you aren’t Jesus?”
He’s made his position clear to the police department.
“Under no conditions will I allow them to lock that door,” Connolly said.
There are many ways for people to contribute to the memorial. A mailbox in the parking lot has forms for people to purchase memorial bricks, and the Austintown Home Savings Bank will accept donations to the Austintown Beautification Committee.
Davis said they’re hoping to raise $25,000 to $35,000 to help pay off debt related to construction of the gazebo and maintain the property.
Despite the memorial’s location, he said people outside the township shouldn’t hesitate to get involved.
“This is not an Austintown thing,” Davis said. “This is the Mahoning County 9/11 Memorial.”