YOUNGSTOWN — The city closed a downtown parking lot it owns that has been the site of physical fights and verbal arguments today in an effort to make safety improvements to the location.

Through Andy Resnick, the city’s spokesman, an email was sent late Wednesday that Youngstown was closing the lot at 121 W. Commerce St. starting today, for 30 days.

This is happening “following a series of conversations with downtown businesses and residents to better understand concerns and gather feedback about the” lot, and it “will immediately begin work on safety improvements to the lot this week,” according to the email.

Asked to comment, Resnick said: “Per the advisory, this is part of the larger downtown safety initiative which has been based on feedback from businesses and residents in that area.”

Resnick acknowledged police have raised concerns about fights and arguments at the lot.

“Yes, those have been documented before,” he said.

Mayor Derrick McDowell didn’t respond Wednesday to a request to comment on the closing of the parking lot and the incidents that have occurred there that resulted in its temporary shutdown.

The city email states the project “focuses on immediate safety, accessibility and security enhancements aimed at supporting downtown visitors and businesses.”

During the 30 days the lot is closed, the city will make upgrades, including upgraded lighting and security cameras, striping, new signage, and cleaning and comprehensive power washing, according to the email.

While this free parking lot is closed, those in downtown can continue to park at no cost at the city-owned lot on the corner of West Commerce Street and Wick Avenue.