Discussion focuses on gun violence, deer hunting in Youngstown
As 21 News continues to learn of new developments in the murder of 15-year-old Amya Monserrat, yet another town hall centered on ways to put a stop to this gun violence was held just a few blocks away from where the girl was killed at Newport Library.
Youngstown Councilwoman Anita Davis hosted a listening session where those directly affected by violence in their neighborhood stopped by to learn more about what can be done.
Aside from violence, the topic of the controlled deer hunting program in Mill Creek MetroParks also discussed, as the city is giving a firm 'no' to the park board if they attempt to hunt in Youngstown city limits.
"We need more of a police presence in terms of Youngstown Police to patrol, the sheriff's department as well as the use of technology," said Anita Davis, Youngstown's 6th Ward Councilwoman.
Before the main discussion, there were several questions and concerns about Mill Creek Metroparks controlled deer hunting program. Youngstown Law Director Jeff Limbian continues to explain it's illegal to discharge a firearm or hunt in city limits. He said this will lead to legal trouble if the park doesn't comply.
"The park's position is, 'We're not the city. We're a separate autonomous entity," and we believe that's not completely accurate," Limbian said. "If your property is positioned within the city limits within Youngstown, we think we have a say in that process."
Limbian added he does not believe the data gathered by Mill Creek Metropark's recent data that shows an average of 387 deer per square mile within the park. Limbian has lived in the park for 63 years and agrees with hundreds of residents that the park should reevaluate the data.
"The park's administration has not been good neighbors," Limbian said. "In considering the city and its residents, the impact of something on two areas of land that are so closely intertwined, there should have been conversations with us. If we can't have those conversations, we'll have to let a court decide."
"Should someone discharge a firearm within the city limits, I will tell you directly, if our Youngstown Police officers are there, I expect them to make the arrest," Anita Davis said. Davis said she is glad the park now knows about the City of Youngstown's law and hopes this puts a stop to their plan.
"They wouldn't want it in their backyard," Davis added in reference to the safety aspect of the hunting program.
Some community members asked about ways to remove the deer without killing them or give them some type of birth control to limit overpopulation.
In the discussion of reducing violence, the public is encouraged to say something if they see something and act as mentors to troubled youth. Police Chief Davis announced the return of Impact Initiative where there will be more patrolling in hotspot neighborhoods.
"Our goal is to interrupt where they gather, our goal is to restore peace and quality of life and we're going to do this in a fair and procedurally just manner," Carl Davis said.
Davis also announced the installation of 15 new surveillance cameras with a 360 view of spots like South and Lucius and South and Boston.
"Our main objective is to deter crime, to identify suspects, and to provide evidence for our investigators," Chief Davis said.
Dorothy Williams, who's lived on E. Lucius for 15 years asked if patrols will be around day and night. Chief Davis said there will be added patrols around the clock, but he could not specify exactly when and where the officers will patrol specific streets for security purposes.
"There's not one single answer or one single cause, but we can get several suggestions of what we can do to deter some of this crime," Anita Davis added.
Finally, Captain Jason Simon added several officers are going through social media training to pay better attention to violent online discussions that often lead to gun violence.
The public crowd applauded the Youngstown Police Department for their quick investigation in arresting a suspect in the shooting death of Monserrat.