US Department of Justice Community Based Crime Reduction Work Underway

Thursday, March 29, 2018

The US Department of Justice Community Based Crime Reduction (formerly Byrne) project work has begun.

YNDC canvassers knocked on each door in the target area on the South Side of Youngstown to share community resources and gather input from residents.  Canvassers spoke with more than 250 individuals and distributed “hotspot cards” which provide residents the opportunity to anonymously report safety and quality of life concerns to the project team.  The YSU research team completed a property conditions survey of the targeted hotspot areas, identifying 198 abandoned structures, 107 occupied structures with serious code violations, 13 dumping sites, and 21 unmaintained vacant lots.  Since the implementation project began in late 2017, more than 30 vacant structures have been demolished and another 150 demolitions are planned throughout the 2-year implementation period.  Team members have shared information with the community regarding the project at various forums, including City Council meetings, Taft Promise Neighborhood meetings, and 6th Ward Councilwoman Anita Davis’ Coffee and Conversations on Saturday mornings.  Several cleanups and block parties are planned for the target area in the spring.