DEAR EDITOR:

At a recent visit to the new Community Alley at the new riverfront park downtown, I was disappointed by the care of this area. Our church had reserved this venue for our parish picnic with anticipation of new, revitalized and growing of Downtown Youngstown. Instead, we encountered geese droppings everywhere, litter, no power and no trash cans.

My suggestion to the city and those in charge of Community Alley — a few hours before the next venue arrives, try the following: hook up a hose to the hydrant and hose down the alley and sidewalks. Sweep up the litter and put out the trash cans. This way, the visitors don’t have to track down any workers asking for a broom to sweep up droppings and trash cans for litter. And keep a worker nearby for issues that arise. In our case, it was a breaker box with no power turned on. Since the alley is new to the downtown, I am sure these glitches will get addressed. Onward and Upward City of Youngstown, you rock.

CHRISTINE SILVESTRI

Youngstown