YOUNGSTOWN - People believe a police presence can cut down on crime. And Youngstown could get behind that theory to help increase safety on the city's south side.

 

Councilwoman Anita Davis's idea is to use some of her earmarked America Rescue Plan dollars to buy a building on Market Street to build on police presence in her ward and on the city's south side.

 

She hopes her idea will be a catalyst for positive changes and a reduction in crime.

 

Davis wants the city to buy and remodel this former McDonald's on Market Street and turn it into a police substation. Instead of serving fries and burgers, the multi-purpose center could serve up mentoring programs on Saturdays, health programs, and programs for seniors. Along with equipment here to serve as a community tool shed.

 

"It's a substation, but it's also going to be housing other community services as well, but yes, the focus is on making the entire area, the entire neighborhood more secure and to have a greater police presence," said Councilwoman Davis.

 

Davis, a retired Youngstown Detective Sergeant, believes this repurposed building and extra police presence can help cut down on crimes on the south side.

 

Davis would use her earmarked America Rescue Plan dollars for the project. 

 

"The cost of the building is at $160,000, then there is the cost of renovating," Davis added.

 

She has been working with the city administration on her proposal and has the support of many of her colleagues on the city council. 

 

The City council will vote on the proposal to buy the former McDonald's and land on Market Street at Wednesday's council meeting.