About 50 people gathered Thursday to hear about a revitalization plan for parts of Sharon and Farrell, but some residents were more focused on money and problems than plans for the future.

The revitalization plan is the second or "seed" part of the state-funded Weed and Seed program designed to reduce crime and re-establish business and community efforts in an 80-block target area of the two cities. Committees were formed to look at public health and safety, education, economic development, employment, recreation and housing, and then groups developed plans for each area.

After the revitalization plan was presented, residents could comment on the plan but the comments strayed from the topic.

Money was an issue for several people. Entrepreneurs who said they have ideas for businesses and residents who would like to see a drug and alcohol treatment center wanted to know where the money will come from to fund programs.

Ricky Johnson of Farrell said he is opening a business called The Chef's Kitchen at Idaho Street and Darr Avenue. Part of his proposal to help the neighborhood is to feed children younger than 12 for free from noon to 4 p.m. on certain days.

Johnson said he's already involved in the community but he needs money to sustain that involvement. "If you can't help me, then I'll go somewhere that can help me get involved in the community," he said.

"I'm behind this 100 percent. Where is the money going to come from?" asked Dana Haynes of Farrell. He said people will have to work together because there's not enough money for everyone to get some.

Haynes said he wants to see a local detoxification center, but he also wants to see money put into programs to help the families of addicts. He then pointed to Sharpsville lawyer Jarrett Whalen, who, Haynes said, was shaking his head as he was speaking.

Whalen said he doesn't think Weed and Seed is about money, but rather about community involvement. He said money isn't going to solve problems in the community.

"I came here to work. I want to talk to the people," Whalen said.

"You don't build a rehabilitation center off of hopes and dreams," Haynes said. "It (money) does make a difference."

"All of you that are here for money, there's no money," said Adrienne Gordon, leader of the Assistance Impact Delegation team.

State Rep. Michael C. Gruitza, Hermitage, D-7th District, said the problems in Sharon and Farrell are not unique to this area. Urban centers have been ignored in this country for 20 years, he said.

Gruitza agreed that money isn't the central focus of Weed and Seed.

"We need the spirit of the volunteers," he said. "We shouldn't argue with one another."

Mrs. Gordon said the seed part of Weed and Seed doesn't focus on securing government funds because of all the in-fighting that comes with money. She said the program is about empowering community members so they can get involved.

To get federal or state funds a lot of work has to be done, Mrs. Gordon said.

Marcia Brown, leader of the Target Area Local Leaders team, told residents it's important they are actively involved in bettering the community. She pointed out that many people attended the first Weed and Seed meetings and many people attended the meeting when the revitalization plan was complete, but there weren't as many people involved with developing the plan.

"It's going to take commitment from every resident in the target area," Mrs. Gordon added.

One resident said she's concerned that drug problems are not being addressed by police in her Mesabi Street neighborhood in Sharon. She said groups of kids hang out on the street.

Assistant District Attorney Robert Kochems said he struggles with the issue of "how much police is too much police." He said they want to let kids be kids and there's nothing illegal about standing around outside.

On the other hand, Kochems said, police do follow up on complaints from residents about drug activity, and he said he's not aware of any calls from the area of Mesabi and Malleable streets.

Other areas of concern from residents were sidewalks and streets that are in disrepair, the lack of activities for youth and the need for current service organizations to collaborate with new organizations and initiatives.