City of Farrell and Mercer County Housing Authority officials have already said they would like to take down the barricades that block most streets in Steel City Terrace, once the public housing complex is redeveloped.

But some Steel City residents would like to see it done sooner.

Patricia Butler, Betty Simmons and Lorraine Jones asked city officials Monday to take them down now.

The concrete barriers were put up in 1998 to reduce traffic flow, specifically people who do not live in Steel City and went there for illegal purposes, said Authority Executive Director L. DeWitt Boosel.

Southwest Mercer County Regional Police Chief Joseph Timko said police had received a rash of reports of shootings, arson, burglaries, assaults -- often with weapons -- and open-air drug deals.

"We had no other alternative but to ask that the housing authority do something," he said.

The authority put up the barriers, making only one way in or out of Steel City.

The barriers make it more difficult for law breakers to speed away from police, and reduce traffic flow in areas where children play.

"I believe it did its job," Timko said.

Boosel agreed that the barriers have served their purpose.

Other police efforts, including foot patrols funded by the authority, which have since ceased, also helped reduce crime. The area is targeted under the state-funded Weed and Seed program, which has paid for extra police patrols and brought state and Sharon police into Farrell.

Ms. Butler said the increased police presence has eliminated the need for the barriers.

"There's no drug activity going on now in Steel City," Ms. Butler said. "Why not move the barricades now and give the residents some peace now?"

Ms. Jones understands why the barriers were put up, but added, "We're barricaded in like we're in jail."

She said the barriers have not stopped drug activity.

"If you're going to do drugs, you're going to do it on bicycles," she said. "A barricade is stopping nothing."

Timko said the barricades and Weed and Seed have greatly reduced the open-air drug dealing. Drug deals have been forced "inside," he said, adding that the police receive few calls from Steel City of the nature that prompted the barriers to be put up. Most calls are domestic disturbances, he said.

Ms. Simmons asked at least for the opening of Spearman Avenue. She said she will be moving out in two weeks in the first wave of relocations to free up buildings for demolition, but the barrier removal would aid those who are still living there.

Timko said he has no objection to removing the barriers.

Boosel said he had intended to remove the barriers when demolition of existing Steel City buildings begins to make way for new public housing apartments, rental apartments at closer to the market rate and homes for sale.

"That would be a sign that things are changing," he said.

Boosel said he wants to talk with Timko before rendering an opinion on the early removal.

City officials said the decision to remove the barriers rests with Boosel because he put them up. Council never acted on blocking the streets.

Boosel said the barriers were the result of an agreement with police and former Mayor Eugene C. Pacsi was involved in discussions. Boosel said he would want city approval before removing the barriers.

Mayor William Morocco said "we may have the wherewithal to have them removed," but would want to talk with police first.

"I'm convinced the time has come to remove the barriers as soon as possible," said Councilman Louis Falconi, adding that the removal would aid the relocation of residents

Council said it would discuss the matter and announce a decision soon.

You can e-mail Herald Staff Writer Joe Pinchot at

jpinchot@sharon-herald.com