DEAR EDITOR:

While there are conflicting opinions and ideas on how to revitalize our downtown area, the goal is the same. We want to see businesses return. We want to see growth. We want people to visit, to seek entertainment and to dine. And most of all, to spread the word about their experiences.

I see a great deal of potential in our new mayor. I feel he has his finger on the pulse of our city, and he wants to see that revitalization. But there are issues that often seem to be overlooked.

My job allows me to travel through our city, calling on customers to provide them with products and services. I have done this for many years and there is something that is painfully obvious. Our city does not appear welcoming.

Every major artery into our downtown area is riddled with blight. South Avenue, Market Street, Mahoning Avenue, MLK Boulevard, Belmont Avenue, Wick Avenue, Oak Street and Wilson Avenue all look like apocalyptic battle zones with vacant lots and boarded-up buildings. I’m not sure how many people want to risk life and property to make that drive to downtown Youngstown when the surrounding suburbs at least appear more inviting and safer.

Improving these arteries should be of primary concern to the council representatives where they are located and a priority to the city administration.

An excellent starting point to this task would be to locate the proposed new police / fire campus at the top of the Market Street bridge at the site of the old GE building. Not only would this create a better experience for those entering downtown via that road, but it might also stimulate new growth in and beautify the Market Street corridor, all while providing a central location for this facility with immediate access to every main artery out of the downtown area.

RICH YASLIK

Youngstown