City council voted unanimously on the $102,168 contract with the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corp. to supervise and manage a grass-cutting and property-cleanup program.
Accusations from some city council members that the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corp. gives preferential treatment to certain areas of the city are wrong, its executive director said.
Racism and preferential treatment given to those of a certain socioeconomic status — perceived or actual depending on who is talking — are longstanding issues in Youngstown.