East Side Residents Fight for Future of East Side

East Side Residents Fight for Future of East Side

The east side of Youngstown has suffered tremendous loss over the last twenty years. Deterioration and blight have swept through the entire city, but the effects have been most devastating in the neighborhoods on the city’s east side. The loss of major businesses, banks, and countless numbers of homes has not only affected how the community looks, but has caused very proud neighborhoods to lose hope.

Reverend Ronnie Tucker, pastor of We Walk by Faith Church said, “We don’t have anything over here anymore, the grocery stores are gone and now our banks are leaving. It seems like we have been forgotten. I love the east side – that’s what keeps me here, I love it.”

With a determination to strengthen sustainable neighborhoods on the east side, the Mahoning Valley Organizing Collaborative (MVOC) has partnered with organizations including the Northeast Homeowners Association, the Bennington Block Watch, the Lincoln Knolls Block Watch, pastors and City Council members to bring hope and change to this community.

Neighborhoods on the east side have begun to stand up and take charge of their situation. “We care about property and community, just like everyone else does. We’re definitely concerned,” expressed Sybil West, Bennington Block Watch president. Members of the Bennington Block Watch have become very active in the community; with the support of MVOC, residents have organized neighborhood clean-ups, supported health care reform, and fought to keep businesses in McGuffey Plaza.

Additionally, the Northeast Homeowners Association and MVOC are collaborating in the formation of an East Side Coalition, which will bring the community together to address issues that have been plaguing these neighborhoods for years. President Warren Harrell has been consistent in his support for the association’s involvement in neighborhood beautification, addressing vacant properties, and providing healthy, safe activities for neighborhood youth.

Currently, Northeast Homeowners and MVOC are planning a neighborhood summit to examine issues including problem corner stores, vacant property, and the future of McGuffey Plaza. Northeast Homeowner Association meetings are held every second Tuesday of the month at 6:00pm. To get involved, contact MVOC community organizer Eric Jordan at 330-743-1196 or email eric@mvorganizing.org.

Click Here to Return to Valley Voice Fall 2009