Youngstown Village Board eyeing improvements

by Allison Deutschman

The Youngstown Village Board meeting Thursday was brief, but with the focus of the betterment of the village as top priority.

The only public contribution provided was courtesy of Aaron Dey. As a concerned community member, Dey approached the board asking members to consider improving the parking and/or adding a loading zone to Main Street.

"I think it would be good of us, particularly in the winter months and with the elderly residents, that we put some sort of loading and unloading zone on Main Street," Dey said. "As it gets busier, and even in the summer time, I think it would be a nice gesture from the village."

Mayor Raleigh Reynolds said the village is paying close attention to parking concerns in the village and Dey's suggestion will be discussed further among board members.

 "There's a couple of people who have fallen walking because a lot of times we can't get to the ice to clear it fast enough," Dey said.

There appeared to be a general consensus his points were valid, and the board would prioritize the issue.

Joint Initiative

To further assist both the Village of Youngstown and the Town of Porter, Reynolds is working with Town of Porter Recreation Director Kathy Zasucha to determine the location of the winter recreation program. The rec program was once held at W.H. Stevenson Elementary in Ransomville, but the school closed due to budgetary concerns in 2014.

Reynolds and the Youngstown Recreation Director Kim Cudmore will discuss the possibility of offering the program at the Youngstown Red Brick Building during Lewiston-Porter's February break.

"I'm excited for the village to have the chance to provide opportunities to these kids," Reynolds said.

News and Notes

•With regard to international tourists in the village, Reynolds will work as a liaison to the business association and work with the tourism committee.

•The Youngstown Police Department is focusing on finding the culprit responsible for the destruction of the Veterans Memorial on Third Street.

•The next Village of Youngstown Board meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Jan. 22 at 240 Lockport St.