We are pleased to see Youngstown’s city leaders exploring ways to utilize at least some of the American Rescue Plan funds to strengthen city neighborhoods.

Designating a set amount of money to be spent per ward seems reasonable, but we caution against putting one person — an elected ward council member — in charge of the funding. Yes, we believe the ward council members should take the lead on community discussions and put forth a plan for their neighborhoods, but they must not have carte blanche on the spending. It goes without saying that spending must be discussed publicly and be approved by council as a whole.

Further, Youngstown’s plan to spend some $5 million on demolition of blighted housing stock, obviously, represents a significant cash investment.

Indeed, city neighborhoods need attention, but before moving forward with this type of spending plan, city leaders first should be discussing how they will develop the resulting vacant land and what services they can provide to the residents using this property. Further, if some of it is to remain vacant, how will they ensure the empty properties are maintained?

Undoubtedly, improving the entirety of our city starts with improving the homes and neighborhoods of its individual residents.

And the key to that comes with good planning for land use.

Rather than allowing the properties to remain barren, here are just a few ideas that could be considered for utilizing this land.

Ask any Realtor these days and you’ll hear stories about limited housing inventory and enormous demand. Homes are selling at record pace for record prices. That tells us the market is strong. Why not capitalize on this demand by working with local builders to have them build spec homes that could assist in making new construction an inviting option within city limits.

If several contiguous parcels of land are emptied of blight, city leaders could consider the creation of new community centers with gymnasiums or study areas for after-school activities, much like the wonderful Boys and Girls Clubs of Youngstown facility on Oak Hill Avenue. While we understand building and managing a facility of that level may be too lofty of a goal for every neighborhood, smaller community facilities still might be worth a consideration. After all, funds should not be a problem if one considers building back neighborhoods as a good use of the American Rescue Plan funds.

If that’s too much to ask, then how about other outdoor recreational opportunities like playgrounds, splash pads or skating parks?

Vacant parcels also would lend themselves well to community gardens or even orchards where apple, pear or cherry trees could be planted. Undoubtedly, the fruits of these labors would be welcomed by all the neighbors who might toil there.

At the end of the day, before city leaders implement this plan to begin removing the blight, they should be discussing the future of the newly vacant land. The options are endless.

It’s very important to keep in mind that we cannot demolish our way to prosperity.

editorial@vindy.com