There should be no cussing and the youths will move out of the way when residents are trying to get by on the sidewalk, said Canfield, who visits his old West End neighborhood often.
Mayor Robert E. Bruchey II said the youths need to start policing each other.
Police Chief Dale Jones said city police get calls from the neighborhood every day, mostly about noise.
Several of the older residents attending the meeting said they were concerned about the noise, disrespect and occasional fights.
A group of about 15 teenagers and adults in their early 20s said they hang out at the corner of George and Winter streets because that's where they know they can find each other.
"It's where everybody goes and talks," said Natasha Blickenstaff, 14, of the North End. "You can't have 20 people in a house."
Margaret Lushbaugh, 58, of George Street, said the youths need a place to play. The basketball court near the Salvation Army is always locked up.
Bruchey and new council members J. Wallace "Wally" McClure and Alfred W. Boyer encouraged the two groups to work out their differences, advising that it wouldn't happen overnight, but required small steps.
Bruchey said he invited the newly elected council members to the meeting because they had not had the chance to hear these concerns, as had the three incumbent council members.
