May 20, 2008 2 min read

Uniontown residents who live near the closed Lincolnview/Albright Park want the 2.5-acre site permanently decommissioned, and favor turning in over for homebuilding possibilities. Fifty-six residents in the Crest Street area have presented City council with a petition to accomplish that goal, with some of them noting the park has degenerated into a haven for illicit activity at night.

This scenario probably wouldn’t be unfolding had vandals not burned a playset to the ground in April 2005.

As municipal officials throughout the area all too often find out, it’s tough to improve the quality of life for residents when human jackals keep undermining those efforts.

Also, children and youth don’t seem to embrace neighborhood playgrounds and basketball courts with the same verve of a generation ago. They seem to have other interests or options for their time.

If the demand isn’t there, and if the efforts that are undertaken are undermined by an arsonists’ match, the city should accede to the park neighbors’ request and find and alternate, productive use for the property.

Mayor Ed Fike, yet to complete his first year in office, should know this firsthand. He recently led an effort to clean up Coal Lick Run Park, which had fallen into disuse, but graffiti vandals have already struck a block building that had been repainted.

Fike is willing to work with Crest Street residents on transforming the Lincolnview/Albright site. State Rep. Timothy S. Mahoney, D-South Union, is involved in the effort as well, having joined Fike in meeting with residents of the area.

The Uniontown Redevelopment Authority has held development rights to the site since 2006. Executive Director Mark Yauger says his agency has awaited direction from council on what to do with the property. After two years, it makes sense for somebody to make a decision.

For those from a different era, the park holds fond memories. Neighbor Cindy Digga recalls it as a place where children like her enjoyed arts and crafts programs, and even movie night, at a place they frequented all day during the summer.

Now, the site has become an eyesore and a gathering place for troublemakers. One thing appears certain: city officials shouldn’t waste time and money trying to make it nice again. They tried that three years ago and it didn’t work. As the saying goes, those who forget history are doomed to repeat it.