Youngstown CDA Communicator

38th Year funding - Orientation Session

2012-01-23T13:01:00.000-05:00

The Community Development Agency will be holding an orientation meeting for the application process of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Home Partnership Program (HOME) for the upcomming FY 12-13 (July 1, 2012 - June 30, 2013). The meeting will be held January 27th at 10:00 am in the Covelli Centre Community Room 229 E. Front St. The meeting will be to familerize potential applicants of the process and answer questions. Applications for funding will be made available at the meeting and attendance is strongly encouraged by all that intend to seek funding. Completed applications will be due in the CDA office no later than 2:00 pm, Monday, February 27, 2012.

Monthly Meeting Updates: November 2011

2011-11-30T11:46:00.001-05:00

CASE NO. 11-12 Appeal by Graigh Snovak for a variance to reduce the rear yard setback from 25 feet to 10 feet; to build a storage shed. The property in question is located at 2918 Mahoning Avenue in a B-2 General Business Zoning District. Approve.

CASE NO. 11-13 Appeal by the Mary Ann Ginn for the Notice for Violation-Storage of the Recreational Vehicle, dated October 7, 2011 Section 79.02 of the City of Youngstown Zoning Ordinance. The Property in question is located at 327 Redondo Road in an R-12, Single-Family Residential Zoning district. Deny.

Planning Commission
(Tuesday, November 15, 2011 at 1:30 p.m.)

REF NO. 15-11 Request by Newport ridge Management for waiver to establish a regulated use within a 500 foot radius of another regulated use; description of regulated use to be established is an internet café. The property in question is located at 3408 Canfield Road in a B-3, Community Business zoning District.Approved.

Attended: Sasho, Pignatelli, Farris, McMahon, Lev

Design Review Committee

(Tuesday, November, 1, 2011 9:00 a.m.)

Case No. DRC 11-25 Proposal by Ohio One Corporation for installation of a bike rack. Approved.

Attended: D’avignon, Shasho, Kidd, DeFrance, Rogers

Paper copies of the official meeting agendas can be requested from the City Planning Department, located at 9 W. Front St., 3rd Floor, Suite 315.

Public Input Meeting: November 28th!

2011-11-21T09:46:00.003-05:00

The City of Youngstown will be holding a Public Input Meeting next Monday to discuss Module 2 of the redevelopment code with the public. This will be an opportunity to express comments and concerns over the general provisions, development standards and review procedures over Module 2 of the redevelopment code.

The draft is currently available online.

Monday, November 28, 20ll

6:00 pm

Trinity United Methodist Church

30 W. Front St.

Free Leaf Composting!

2011-11-08T12:29:00.000-05:00

The City of Youngstown is offering leaf composting that is free to all Youngstown residents. The program, which started on October 3^rd, is providing free leaf bags while supplies last! Curbside pickup will be provided to those who want to participate!

If you are interested, please pick up free leaf bags at the center Litter Control & Recycling. The schedule for leaf bag pick up depends on which side of town you reside.

Southside

Wednesday, November 2

Wednesday November 16

Wednesday, November 30

Saturday, November 5

Saturday, November 19

Saturday, December 3

Northside

Tuesday, November 15

Tuesday, November 29

Friday, November 18

Friday, December 2

Eastside

Sunday, November 13

Sunday, November 27

Tuesday, November 15

Tuesday, November 29

Westside

Sunday, November 6

Sunday, November 20

Wednesday, November 9

Wednesday, November 23

Help keep leaves out of landfills! For more information, see the City of Youngstown website, or contact us at:

330-744-7526,

recycle@cityofyoungstownoh.com

Hours Available: Monday- Friday, 8:30am-3:30pm

Monthly Meeting Updates: October 2011

2011-10-28T09:31:00.001-04:00

No new business on the agenda.

Planning Commission
(Tuesday, October 18, 2011 at 1:30 p.m.)

REF NO. 14-11 Request by Gurpreet Singh for a waiver to establish a regulated use within a 500 foot radius of another regulated use; description of regulated use is for a liquor permit. The property in question of regulated use is for a liquor permit. The property in question is located at 2637 Glenwood Avenue in an INS, Institutional Zoning District. Recommend Deny

CASE NO. 11-11 Appeal by Teed Wafle the Notice of violation-Use Not Permitted, dated September 14, 2011 Article IV, Section 2 of the City of Youngstown Zoning Ordinance. The property in question is located at 311 Gypsy Lane, being used as a rooming and boarding house but is zoned R-20, Single-Family Residential. Denied

Attended: Anthony Farris, Chuck Sasho, Irving Lev
Did not attend: Mayor Sammorone

Design Review Committee
(Tuesday, October 4, 2011 at 9:00 a.m.)

Case No. DRC 11-21: Proposal by Tony Armeni for placement of bike rack scrulptures. The property in question is located at northwest corner of Federal Street and Wick Avenue. Approved

Case No. DRC 11-22: Proposal by Denise Powell for vinyl siding. The property in question is located at 25 Federal Plaza. Approved

Attended: Chuck Shasho, Summer Barker, Phil Kidd, John DeFrance
Did not attend: Justin Rogers

Design Review Special Meeting

Case No. DRC 11-23 Proposal by Denise Powell for vinyl siding. The property in question is located at 25 Federal Plaza. Approved

Case No. DRC 11-24: Proposal by Anita Lin, Paramount Project for a 4’ X 38’ banner with grommets to be secured to the façade of the Paramount Theater. The property in question is located at the corner of W. Federal and Hazel Street.

Attended: Chuck Shasho, Summer Barker, Phil Kidd, John DeFrance, Justin Rogers
Did not attend:

Paper copies of the official meeting agendas can be requested from the City Planning Department, located at 9 W. Front St., 3rd Floor, Suite 315.

Redevelopment Code Meeting Update!

2011-10-18T11:06:00.000-04:00

The City of Youngstown hosted a review meeting at the Stambaugh Auditorium Ballroom October 4^th. The meeting, with nearly 200 people in attendance, was set up to discuss the draft of the much needed redevelopment code. The module 1 draft has taken in considerations of public input.

The meeting was held to discuss the possible outcomes of the draft and for concerned citizens to voice their opinions and concerns.

Monthly Meeting Updates: September 2011

2011-09-28T10:11:00.001-04:00

No new business on the agenda.

Planning Commission
(Tuesday, September 20, 2011 at 1:30 p.m.)

Case NO. 11-09 Appeal by Susan Sparks for a Variance to increase the maximum size of an accessory building from 770 square feet to 1,000 square feet; to build a garage. The property in question is located at 3212 Powers Way in an R-7.2, single family zoning district. Approved.

Case NO. 11-10 Appeal by Robert Wire for a variance to increase the maximum size on an accessory building from from 770 square feet to 960 square feet; to build a garage. The property in question is located at 3581 Susan Circle in an R-12 single family zoning district. Approved.

Attended: Anthony Farris, Chuck Shashko, Angelo Pignatelli, Irving Lev, Heather McMahon, Mayor Sammarone

Design Review Committee
(Tuesday, Sept 6, 2011 at 9:00 a.m.)

Case No. DRC 11-19: Proposal by Tony Armeni for placement of bike rack sculptures. The property in question is located at 275 W. Federal, Corner of W. Federal & S. Chestnut Street. Approved.

Attended: Justin Rodgers, Phil Kidd, Summer Baker, Charles Sahsho, John DeFrance

Paper copies of the official meeting agendas can be requested from the City Planning Department, located at 9 W. Front St., 3rd Floor, Suite 315.

Redevelopment Code Meeting!

2011-09-27T11:10:00.000-04:00

From July 11^th through August 4^th, the City of Youngstowncompleted twelve public input meetings to discuss code issues and future land use in the city. A draft of the first module of the redevelopment code is available for public review. The City of Youngstown will conduct a public review meeting where the consultants will present the draft. This is an opportunity to ensure that we have taken the comments and concerns from our residents into account. The City invites you and those in the community to attend a follow up meeting to the ones held over the summer. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to directly shape the future development in the City. If you want aspects of the City improved, this is your chance.

I hope you will be able to attend this meeting scheduled for October 4^th, 2011 at 6:00 pm at the Stambaugh Auditorium Ballroom, 1000 Fifth Avenue.

Come on October 4^th and get involved in shaping the future of development in Youngstown.

You can find out more information about the draft on our website: www.cityofyoungstownoh.org

Neighborhood Profile Update: Garden District Neighborhood Profile updated!

2011-09-01T09:33:00.001-04:00

The neighborhood profile for the Garden District has been updated. The profile before had the general outline of information for the Garden District. It now has more information regarding the neighborhood, including photos.

Monthly Meeting Updates: August 2011

2011-08-31T11:01:00.000-04:00

No new business on the agenda.

Planning Commission
(Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at 1:30 p.m.)

REF NO. 12-11 Request by Sweet Jenny Land Company for a waiver to establish a regulated use within a 500 foot radius of another regulated use to be established is an art gallery and tattoo salon. The property in question is located 217 West federal Street in a B-1 Central Business Zoning District. Approved

REF NO. 13-11 Request by Kimberly L. Lucarell for a waiver to establish a regulated use within a 500 foot radius of another regulated use; description of regulated use to be established is a used furniture and appliance store. The property in question is located at 3917 Market Street in a B-2, General Business Zoning District.

Attended: Chuck Shashko, Jason Rupe, Phil Kidd, Justin Rogers, John DeFrance
Did not attend:

Design Review Committee
(Tuesday, August 23, 2011 at 9:00 a.m.)

Case No. DRC 11-19: Proposal by Tomisino Pizza for a façade. The property in question is located at 103 West Federal Street. Approved

Case No. DRC 11-17: Proposal by Arjay Construction Company Inc., for a new store front. The property in question is located at 110 West Federal Street. Defer

Case No. DRC 11-15: Proposal BY Al Adi for garage doors in front of the store. The Property in question is located at 116 W. Federal. Approved

Attended: Chuck Shasho, Summer Barker, Phil Kidd, Justin Rodgers, John DeFrance.
Did not attend: Jason Rupe.

Paper copies of the official meeting agendas can be requested from the City Planning Department, located at 9 W. Front St., 3rd Floor, Suite 315.

Neighborhood Updates: Brier Hill Profile Posted!

2011-08-16T15:41:00.000-04:00

The Neighborhood of Brier Hill has been added to the Neighborhoods section of the City of Youngstown website.

As part of the Youngstown 2010 plan, each neighborhood in the City of Youngstown will have it's own neighborhood profile on the City of Youngstown website. This is an effort to foster a better understanding of each neighborhood in the greater Youngstown area.

Brier Hill is a historical neighborhood on the North side of Youngstown. It was home to many steel workers during the humble beginnings of Youngstown. You can view the Brier Hill profile, as well as many other neighborhood profiles, here.

Neighborhood Redevelopment Code Meetings.

2011-08-08T12:54:00.000-04:00

From July 11^th through August 4^th, the City of Youngstown completed eleven public input meetings to discuss code issues and future land use in the city. Clarion Associates of Denver, Colorado was hired to create a modern, efficient and innovative code for the city. The meetings were intended to get valuable public input for the consultants to incorporate in the new zoning code.

Zoning is a tool to safeguard public health, by requiring developments to adhere to certain standards, shape the form, location and intensity by which development takes place, restrict incompatible or undesirable uses, and a tool to implement a comprehensive land use plan.

One resident, after participating in a meeting, comment “ Just want to tell you how impressed I was at the organization and process of the North side meeting tonight at Wick Park......having pre-selected and prepared facilitators at each table made all the difference in the world. I haven't been so energized and optimistic at a meeting for a long time. Kudos to all the planners”

The meetings were overall well received, resulting in an attendance of nearly 300 people total at the discussions.

For more information on the redevelopment code, visit the website.

Monthly Meeting Updates: July 2011

2011-07-20T13:47:00.000-04:00

No new business on the agenda

Planning Commission
(Tuesday, July 19, 2011 @ 1:30pm)

REF NO. 11-11 George Smith submitted a request for a waiver to establish a regulated use within a 500ft radius of another regulated use; description of regulated use to be established is a second hand store. The property in question is located at 3215 South Ave. in a B-2, General Business Zoning District. Approved

Continued Business

REF NO. 06-11 John Christopher, Internet Palace, LLC submitted a request for a waiver to establish a regulated use within a 500ft radius of another regulated use; description of regulated use to be established is a internet cafe. The property in question is located at 2904 McCartney Road Room 16 in a B-3, Community Business Zoning District. Approved

Attended: Chuck Sasho, Angelo Pignatelli, Irving Lev, Heather McMahon
Did not attend: Iris Guglucello

Design Review Committee
(Tuesday, July 5, 2011 @ 9:00am)

Continued Business

Case No. DRC 11-09 Mahoning Lighting & Maintenance submitted a proposal to install one channel letter wall sign and awning. The property in question is located at 131 Lincoln Ave. Approved

New Business

Case No. DRC 11-11 Ryan Grass/City Architecture submitted a proposal for 120 rental units configured in 22 buildings. Each building consist of 5-6 units and a mix of one and two stories. The development will be complete with private roads, utilities, playgrounds, community gardens, service facilities, and community building. The property in question is located on Griffith, Martin Luther King, and Madison Ave. Approved

Case No. DRC 11-10 Paul J. Ricciuti, FAIA (BSHM Architects) submitted a proposal to renovate the Harry Burt Building. The property in question is located at 325 West Federal Street. Approved

Attended:Ray DeCarlo, John DeFrance, Summer Barker, Phill Kidd
Did not attend: Jason Rupe

Paper copies of the official meeting agendas can be requested from the City Planning Department, located at 9 W. Front St., 3rd Floor, Suite 315.

Zoning And Redevelopment Code Updates

2011-07-19T15:58:00.000-04:00

Last week the City of Youngstown began the 11 neighborhood zoning meetings with the Salt Springs, Steelton, Lincoln Knolls, Brownlee Woods, Buckeye Plat, and Lansingville neighborhoods. During these meetings citizens worked in small groups and suggested zoning improvements in their neighborhoods. The City of Youngstown has begun the process to undertake the task of restructuring the Redevelopment Code. The newly developed code will outline the land-use goals, as part of the Youngstown 2010 plan. The citizens whom are involved in these meeting will have the opportunity to develop the future land use plan for their neighborhoods and the City of Youngstown.

There are seven Neighborhood Zoning Meetings left. If you live in any of the neighborhoods listed below, make sure that you attend to take advantage of the opportunity to make an impact on your community. If you don't know what neighborhood or cluster you live in click on map.

Meeting Date/Time Cluster Number and Neighborhood

7/19 6:30-8:00 pm #5 Erie, FLint Hill, Lower Gibson,Oak Hill,Warren. At the Oak Hill Renaissance Center, 345 Oak Hill

7/21 6-7:30 pm #8 East High, East Side, Hazelton At the East High School, 474 Bennington Avenues

7/25 7-8:30 pm #3 Belle Vista, Schenley At the Millcreek Davis Center, 123 McKinney Ave.

7/26 6-7:30 pm #6 Cottage Grove, Idora, Newport, Pleasant Grove At Newport Branch Library, 3730 Market St.

7/28 6-7:30 pm #10 Landsdowne, McGuffy Heights At the Assoc. Neighborhood Centers, McGuffey Centre, 1649 Jacobs Road

8/1 6-7:30 pm #11 Arlington, Downtown, Mahoning Commons Riverbend, Smoky Hollow, YSU At the Trinity United Methodist Church 30W. Front Street

8/4 6-7:30 pm #1 Brier Hill, North Heights, Wick Park At the Wick Park Recreation Center, 260 Park Ave.

WE NEED YOUR INPUT TO MAKE YOUR NEIGHBORHOODS A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE!

Bicycling in Youngstown

2011-07-13T10:07:00.000-04:00

The summer months provide the perfect weather for bicycling in Youngstown. Compared to other parts of the States, Youngstown is blessed with particularly mild weather. Take advantage of this gorgeous weather by cycling around your hometown. The City of Youngstown has information included on their website for safe routes, trails and other information needed for cycling safety in the city.

The scenery in Youngstown is a mix of lush, green gardens and neighborhoods in a rusty landscape make Youngstown an interesting yet aesthetically pleasing area. Get to know Youngstown by cycling throughout the city. MillCreek Metro Parks is yet another wonderful way for one to take in the landscape of Youngstown. MillCreek has plenty of trails to take advantage of, many of which are listed on their website. The cycling organization, Out-Spokin’ Wheelman of Ohio, have information listed on their website including tips, riding schedule, sponsors and Bike maps in Youngstown.

This summer bike racks will be installed at various points around the city. Updates on the instillation will follow.

KICK-OFF MEETING FOR NEW ZONING REDEVELOPMENT CODE

2011-06-23T14:40:00.000-04:00

The City of Youngstown will host a meeting to discuss the kick-off of the new zoning redevelopment code. The current zoning/redevelopment code is plagued with barriers, and in order to implement a code that serves the interests of all the residents of Youngstown, a new system needs to be developed while embracing the guidelines of the Youngstown 2010 plan. The city of Youngstown will collaborate with Clarion Associates of Denver, Colorado to deliver a new, innovative code for zoning and redevelopment code. This is just the start of many public meeting in which the citizens are giving the opportunity to shape the zoning and redevelopment code in their neighborhood regarding issues such as creative and flexible land and building reuse, urban agriculture,green corridors, and limited service areas.

The meeting will take place June 29th from 7:00-8:00 pm at the Trinity United Methodist Church, 30 W. Front Street, Downtown Youngstown. More information about this meeting and the upcoming public meetings will be available on the city's website.

Monthly Meeting Updates: June 2011

2011-06-22T14:54:00.000-04:00

No new business on the agenda

Planning Commission

(Tuesday, June 21, 2011 @ 1:30pm)

REF NO. 06-11 John Christopher, Internet Palace, LLC submitted a request for a waiver to establish a regulated use within a 500 ft radius of another regulated use; description of regulated use to be established is an Internet cafe. The property in question is located at 2904 McCartney Rd Room 16 in a B-3, Community Business Zoning District. Dismiss applicant did not show

REF NO. 07-11 Bottom Dollar Food Northeast, LLC for a waiver to establish a regulated use within a 500 ft radius of another regulated use; description of regulated use to be established is for a beer and wine off- premise license. The property in question is located at 890 E. Midlothian Blvd in a B-3, Community Business Zoning District. Recommended approval

REF NO. 08-11 Bottom Dollar Food Northeast, LLC for a waiver to establish a regulated use within a 500 ft radius of another regulated use; description of regulated use to be established is for a beer and wine off- premise license. The property in question is located on Glenwood, City lot number 24495, in a B-2, General Business Zoning District.

REF NO. 09-11 Bottom Dollar Food Northeast, LLC for a waiver to establish a regulated use within a 500 ft radius of another regulated use; description of regulated use to be established is for a beer and wine off- premise license. The property in question is located at 3377 Mahoning Avenue in a B-2, Central Business Zoning District.

Attended: Chuck Sasho, Iris Guglucello, Angelo Pignatelli, Irving Lev, Mayor Williams
Did not attend: Heather McMahon

Design Review Committee
(Tuesday, June 7, 2011 @ 9:00am)

Case No. DRC 11-07 Jenkins Sign Company submitted a proposal to fabricate an install one (1) 3' X 12' long single face internally illuminated wall sign extended aluminum with black finish 800 ma. c w h o lamps, flat solar grade lexan. The property in question is located at 116 W. Federal Street. Approved

Case No. DRC 11-08 Mahoning Lighting & Maintenance submitted a proposal to install two (2) wall signs. The property in question is located at 131 Lincoln Ave. Approved

Case No. DRC 11-09 Charles Penny submitted a proposal for front awning (over door way). The property in question is located at 15 Federal Street West. Deferral

Attended: Chuck Sasho, Mayor Williams, Ray DeCarlo, John DeFrance
Did not attend: Jason Rupe, Summer Barker, Phill Kidd

Paper copies of the official meeting agendas can be requested from the City Planning Department, located at 9 W. Front St., 3rd Floor, Suite 315.

Farmers Market, Goodness Grows

2011-06-21T10:48:00.003-04:00

June 21st marks the official start of the summer season, and with the summer season comes Youngstown’s Downtown Farmers Market. Beginning Tuesday, June 21st, those who are interested can come take advantage of fresh, locally grown produce right here in your community. Not only can you spend this summer selecting fresh, local produce you can also purchase fair trade coffee, recipes and baked goods.

Enjoy local produce from Goodness Grows! Goodness Grows is a local organization aimed to raise awareness of healthful foods and hunger. Goodness Grows provides individuals with the means to grow their own gardens and sell their produce locally with positive and successful results.

You can take advantage of Youngstown’s Farmers Market every Tuesday starting June 21st through October 11th.

Goodness Grows runs June 29th through October 5th.

Neighborhood Updates: Lincoln Knolls and Rocky Ridge.

2011-06-13T11:57:00.000-04:00

Neighborhood profiles have been updated and posted for both the Rocky Ridge and Lincoln Knolls neighborhoods.

Part of the City of Youngstown's, 2010 plan was to create neighborhood profiles on each neighborhood in the city to generate familiarity between it's residents throughout Youngstown. Here, you can find information on each neighborhood including the neighborhoods history, housing costs, as well as a neighborhood contact for each area. Visit the City of Youngstown's website, tab to: about Youngstown, then click on "Neighborhoods" where you can find information.

Lincoln Knolls and Rocky Ridge are both prominent residential areas in the greater city of Youngstown, Ohio.Check out their profiles to discover these localities.

Ground Breaking On Global Green Urban Agriculture Project

2011-05-23T14:12:00.003-04:00

Friday May 20 soil testing began in the Oak Hill neighborhood on various abandoned city lots. Youngstown State University (YSU) students Mike Perry, Nate Wilson, and Danni Wilson collected soil samples on these city lots under the supervision of YSU Professor Dr. Felicia Armstrong and assistance from City of Youngstown Planning Fellow Jason Langer. Pictured to the right, Mike Perry and Jason Langer collect composite soil samples from 6"-10" deep using a soil probe. This group of researchers were collecting and analyzing soil samples for Global Green USA in partner with the City of Youngstown to see if there is any sort of contamination before any initial plans of planting produce on these lots progress. Once the soil testing is complete the YSU researchers plan to put test garden plots on these areas to see how the plants grow and further analyze the bio-accessible contaminants on these lots. The main potential contaminants of concern are likely heavy metals. Graduate student Mike Perry is using this project as an opportunity for his thesis research. Global Green plans to use these lots for a large scale urban agriculture project. More updates and details about Global Greens project will be available upon its progression.

Monthly Meeting Updates: May 2011

2011-05-18T10:58:00.002-04:00

No new business on the agenda

Planning Commission
(Tuesday, May 17, 2011 @ 1:30pm)

REF NO. 04-11 ORD-10-132 Authorizing the City of Youngstown to provide for the vacation of: Wolf Street F.K.A Broad Alley (20'R/W) from existing of right-of-way line Alpine Street, approximately 308 feet south to the southwest property line of city lot number 62233 and the north property line of part of out lot number 546. Recommended Approval

REF NO. 05-11 The undersigned, in accordance with Section 723.06 of the Ohio Revised Code, does hereby give consent to the Vacation of an irregular shaped part of Park Avenue; as prayed for on petition; pursuant to Ohio Revised Code 723.04 and 723.06, and subject to any public utility, whether owned privately or by any governmental authority pursuant to Ohio Revised Code 723.041, as prayed for on petition an irregular shaped part of Park Avenue (55 foot R/W), starting at a point on the north right-of-way line of Park Avenue which is 101.49 feet west of the southeast property line of city lot number 614173 to the southeast corner of the irregular shaped tract of land; thence 38.48' x 80.00' x 38.48' x 140.00' +/- to the point of beginning. First dedicated for right-of-way purposes through plat volume 66, page180, recorded, October 23, 1974, shown on attached exhibit "A", and as prayed for petition, pursuant Ohio Revised Code 723.04 and 723.06 and subject to any public utility, whether owned privately or by any governmental authority pursuant to Ohio Revised Code 723.041. Recommended Approval
Continued Business

REF NO. 03-11 Fidaa Musleh submitted a request for a waiver to establish a regulated use within a 500 foot radius of another regulated use; description of regulated use to be established is a convenient store. The property in question is located at 116 Federal Plaza West in a B-1, Central Business Zoning District. Recommended Approval

Attended: Chuck Sasho, Iris Guglucello, Angelo Pignatelli, Irving Lev
Did not attend: Heather McMahon

Design Review Committee
(Tuesday, May 3, 2011 @ 9:00am)

Case No. DRC 11-05 Victor Mejia submitted a proposal for (1) installation of two, 2 x 8 banners at each end of the building; (2) install two 24" x 6'3" x 6" Led scrolling signage on front entry sanctuary. The property in question is located at 30 West Front Street, Trinity United Methodist Church. Approved

Case No. DRC 11-06 Huntington Bank submitted a proposal to replace canopy sign, entrance sign, and corner sign. Approved

Attended: Chuck Sasho, Summer Barker, Bill D'Avignon, Justin Rogers
Did not attend: Jason Rupe, John DeFrance, Phill Kidd

Paper copies of the official meeting agendas can be requested from the City Planning Department, located at 9 W. Front St., 3rd Floor, Suite 315.

Population Distribution by Ward from 1990-2011

2011-05-13T12:55:00.002-04:00

The recent available results of the 2010 Census show Youngstown's continually shrinking population to stand just short of 67,000 residents, which is down nearly 30% from the 1990 population of 95,706. It is well known that Youngstown is a shrinking city, but what about the distribution of its population through the city's 7 wards, or which parts of the city is experiencing the majority of the population loss.

The following map shows the location of the 7 wards within the city

The following chart show the population distribution by ward from 1990-2010

Ward 4 has lost the least amount of residents over all since 1990, making ward 4 the highest and most consistently populated ward since 1990. The least populated ward from 1990-2000 was ward 1. Since the 2010 Census data has become available the least populated ward is now ward 6, which has experienced a 45% population loss since 1990. Wards 2, 3, and 5 have also experienced a population loss slightly above the city average loss of 30% since 1990. Wards 1, 4, and 7 have experienced a loss below the city average of 30% loss since 1990.

Monthly Meeting Updates: April 2011

2011-04-20T11:12:00.002-04:00

This month the Board Of Zoning Appeals, City Planning Commission, and the Design Review Committee have met to discuss new business that has been brought before them:

Board Of Zoning Appeals
(Tuesday, April 19, 2011 @ 1:45pm)

Continued Business

CASE NO. 10-11: CT Group Homes submitted an appeal to request a review of the non-conforming status of 1406 Fifth Ave as a group home; to approve a waiver to re-establish a group home within a 2,000 ft radius of another group home. The property in question is zoned R-A, Residence Apartment. Recommended Approval.

Attended: Chuck Sasho, Iris Guglucello, Angelo Pignatelli, Irving Lev
Did not attend: Heather McMahon

Planning Commission
(Tuesday, April 19, 2011 @ 1:30pm)

REF NO. 03-11 Fidaa Musleh requested for a waiver to establish a regulated use within a 500 foot radius of another regulated use; description of regulated use to be established as a convenient store. The property in question is located at 116 Federal Plaza West in a B1, Central Business Zoning District.Recommended Denial.

Attended: Chuck Sasho, Iris Guglucello, Angelo Pignatelli, Irving Lev
Did not attend: Heather McMahon

Design Review Committee
(Tuesday, April 5, 2011 @ 9:00am)

CASE No. DRC 11-03: Proposal by City Architecture, for renovation/adaptive reuse of vacant office building for mixed use. Upper floors shall be residential with 40 student apts. on floors 2-6. Ground floor will include 4300s.f of leasable retail space in addition to the entrance and support spaces for residential use. The property in question is located at 112 West Commerce Street, the Erie Terminal Building. Approval.

Case No. DRC 11-04: Proposal by Tony Aimini & Charles Hughes, for sculpted bike racks downtown. Approval.

Attended: Chuck Sasho, Summer Barker, Bill D'Avignon, Justin Rogers, John DeFrance, Phill Kidd
Did not attend: Jason Rupe

Paper copies of the official meeting agendas can be requested from the City Planning Department, located at 9 W. Front St., 3rd Floor, Suite 315.

Monthly Meeting Updates: March 2011

2011-03-21T11:20:00.000-04:00

This month the Board Of Zoning Appeals, City Planning Commission, and the Design Review Committee have met to discuss new business that has been brought before them:
Board Of Zoning Appeals
(Tuesday, March 15, 2011 @ 1:30pm)

CASE NO. 11-03: Appeal by Bottom Dollar Food Northeast, LLC for a variance to reduce the parking space requirements from 182 to 73 spaces. The property in question is located on Glenwood and Indianola Ave. in a B-2, General Business Zoning District. Approval Granted

CASE NO. 11-04: Appeal by Richard Yankel for a variance to reduce the front yard setback from 35 feet to 18.2 feet to allow for a dinning room addition. The property in question is located at 1733 E Midlothian Blvd in a R-7.2, Single Family Residential Zoning District. Approval Denied

Continued Business

CASE NO. 11-01: Joseph M. Sabatini submitted an appeal for zoning inspector's decision to revoke a zoning permit issued on 12/15/10, for an Internet Game Cafe'. The property in question is located at 840 E Midlothian Blvd in a B-3, Community Business Zoning District. Deferred

CASE NO. 10-11: CT Group Homes submitted an appeal to request a review of the non-conforming status of 1406 Fifth Ave as a group home; to approve a waiver to re-establish a group home within a 2,000 ft radius of another group home. The property in question is zoned R-A, Residence Apartment. Approval Denied

Attended: Chuck Sasho, Iris Guglucello, Angelo Pignatelli, Irving Lev, Heather McMahon
Did not attend: Jason Roller

Planning Commission
(Tuesday, March 15, 2011 @ 2:00pm)

REF NO. 02-11 ORD-11-53: "Amending Section 709.04 (a) spacing requirements for regulated uses, of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Youngstown, as more fully defined herein; and providing that this Ordinance shall be an emergency measure if it receives the affirmative vote of six of the members of council; otherwise, it shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law." Recommended Approval

Attended: Chuck Sasho, Iris Guglucello, Angelo Pignatelli, Irving Lev, Heather McMahon
Did not attend: Jason Roller

Design Review Committee
(Tuesday, March 1, 2011 @ 9:00am)

No new business on the agenda

Paper copies of the official meeting agendas can be requested from the City Planning Department, located at 9 W. Front St., 3rd Floor, Suite 315.

Monthly Meeting Updates: February 2011

2011-02-22T10:31:00.000-05:00

This month the Board Of Zoning Appeals, City Planning Commission, and the Design Review Committee have met to discuss new business that has been brought before them:

Board Of Zoning Appeals
(Tuesday, February 15, 2011 @ 1:30pm)

CASE NO. 11-02: B.J. Alan Company submitted an appeal for a request a total wall sign square footage that is 12.66% of the facade, instead of 10% of the facade square footage; requesting a variance from 120 square feet to 204 square feet and also the ability to angle the two sides from 90 degrees to 71 degrees, forming a triangular footprint instead of two parallel sides; requesting a height variance from 30 feet to 34 feet. The property in question is located at 1260 Meridian Road in a I-L, Industrial Limited Zoning District. Approval Granted.

Continued Business

CASE NO. 11-01: Joseph M. Sabatini submitted an appeal for zoning inspector's decision to revoke a zoning permit issued on 12/15/10, for an Internet Game Cafe'. The property in question is located at 840 E Midlothian Blvd in a B-3, Community Business Zoning District. In Review.

CASE NO. 10-11: CT Group Homes submitted an appeal to request a review of the non-conforming status of 1406 Fifth Ave as a group home; to approve a waiver to re-establish a group home within a 2,000 ft radius of another group home. The property in question is zoned R-A, Residence Apartment. In Review.

Attended: Chuck Sasho, Iris Guglucello, Angelo Pignatelli, Irving Lev, Heather McMahon
Did not attend: Jason Roller

Planning Commission
(Tuesday, February 15, 2011 @ 2:15pm)

REF NO. 01-11 ORD-10-384: Request to change the zoning classification of the property located on Vestal Rd, city lot number 32071 and 32070, currently zoned R-5.5, 1 & 2 Family Residential to B-2, General Business. The property in question is located at 3111 Vestal Rd. Recommended Denial.

Attended: Chuck Sasho, Iris Guglucello, Angelo Pignatelli, Irving Lev, Heather McMahon

Did not attend: Jason Roller

Design Review Committee
(Tuesday, February 1, 2011 @ 9:00am)

CASE NO. DRC 11-01: Isaac Lewin proposed to add steel bars to exterior of granite panel facade. The property in question is located at 20 Federal Plaza West. No Quorum.

Paper copies of the official meeting agendas can be requested from the City Planning Department, located at 9 W. Front St., 3rd Floor, Suite 315.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS FOR FEBRUARY 2011

2011-01-27T15:27:00.002-05:00

The City of Youngstown Community Development Agency (CDA) will be holding a series of meetings regarding the City of Youngstown's One Year Action Plan to be submitted to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The estimated amount that Youngstown is to receive from HUD is 5 million dollars. The Community Development Agency is encouraging all interested citizens to attend one of the 4 meetings to give valuable input on the allocations of these funds. Complaints will not be addressed at these meetings, they will mainly focus on the allocating resources within the plan.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011, 6:00 pm

Jewish Community Center, 2nd Floor, Board Room

505 Gypsy Lane, Youngstown, Ohio

Thursday, February 3, 20l1, 6:00 pm
O.C.C.H.A.
3660 Shirley Road, Youngstown, Ohio

Tuesday, February 8, 20l1, 7:00 pm
I.T.A.M.
115 S. Meridian Rd, Youngstown, Ohio

Thursday, February 10, 20l1, 6:00 pm
Associated Neighborhood Center, Auditorium
1649 Jacobs Road, Youngstown, Ohio

An orientation session will be held Friday Feb.18, 2011, 10am at

Covelli Centre

Community Room
229 E. Front Street
Youngstown, OH 44503

Applications will be available at this meeting for the 37th Year Community Development Funds. All applicants are strongly recommended to attend. The meeting is to help and facilitate the proper completion of the applications as well familiarize potential applicants with the process. Funding priorities include: Housing; Public Services; Public Facilities; Youth Services; Senior Services; “Anti-Crime Infrastructure Planning”; Economic Development. Only proposals consistent with the Youngstown 2010 Plan will be considered.

Completed applications must be received in the CDA office no later than Friday, March 18, 2011 by 2:00 p.m. Late applications will not be accepted.

For more information on either topic call the Community Development Agency at (330)-744-0854.

Monthly Meeting Updates: January 2011

2011-01-25T11:42:00.000-05:00

There was no new business on the agenda

Paper copies of the official meeting agendas can be requested from the City Planning Department, located at 9 W. Front St., 3rd Floor, Suite 315.

Brownlee Woods Neighborhood Update!

2011-01-14T15:08:00.002-05:00

Brownlee Woods is an elegant family oriented neighborhood located in Youngstown's south side. Just recently the neighborhood received a way to express these key virtues to interested parties. Under the Youngstown 2010 Plan every Youngstown neighborhood would receive a neighborhood profile on the City Of Youngstown Website. The Brownlee Woods Profile, along with other neighborhood profiles, can be found by going to the city's website under the about tab, then click on the neighborhoods tab, and finally on Brownlee Woods.

Brownlee Woods also gets a new look with brand new custom street signs. The City of Youngstown and the Brownlee Woods Neighborhood Association believes that these are unique street signs that the neighborhood residence can take pride in. The Brownlee Woods signs are to be scheduled to be put up shortly.

Monthly Meetings Updates: December 2010

2010-12-22T13:02:00.002-05:00

This month the Board Of Zoning Appeals, City Planning Commission, and the Design Review Committee have met to discuss new business that has been brought before them:
Board Of Zoning Appeals
(Tuesday, December 21, 2010 @ 1:30pm)

CASE NO. 10-11 CT Group Homes submitted a request to appeal the non-conforming status of 1406 Fifth Avenue as a group home; to approve a waiver to re-establish a group home within a 2,000 foot radius of another group home. The property in question is zoned R-A. Residence Apartment. Approval Deferred

CASE NO. 10-12 Zaremba Group, LLC submitted an appeal for Dollar General for a variance to reduce the required parking spaces from 61 spaces to 35 spaces; to allow the screening device required abutting a residential use to be eliminated at 16' from the rear yard at E. Evergreen and to allow the screening device required abutting a residential use to be eliminated at 35' from the rear yard at Glenaven. The property in question is located at Market and Evergreen in a B-2, General Business Zoning District. Approval Granted

CASE NO. 10-13 Zaremba Group, LLC submitted an appeal for Dollar General for a variance to reduce the required parking spaces from 61 space to 35 spaces. The property in question is located a McGuffey and Jacobs Road in a B-3, Community Business Zoning District. Approval Granted

CASE NO. 10-14 Dan Keep submitted an appeal for Northside Medical Center to approve the relocation of a hospital helipad, previously in Liberty Township, to be moved further on site which falls in the City Of Youngstown. The property in question is located at 500 Gypsy Lane in a INS, Institutional Zoning District. Approval granted

Attended: Chuck Sasho, Irving Lev, Angelo Pignatelli, Heather McMahon
Did not Attend: Iris Guglucello, Jason Roller

Planning Commission
(Tuesday, December 21, 2010 @2:30pm)

There was no new business on the agenda

Design Review Committee
(Tuesday, December 7, 2010 @9:00am)

There was no new business on the agenda

Paper copies of the official meeting agendas can be requested from the City Planning Department, located at 9 W. Front St., 3rd Floor, Suite 315.

Monthly Meeting Updates: November 2010

2010-11-22T09:30:00.000-05:00

This month the Board Of Zoning Appeals, City Planning Commission, and the Design Review Committee have met to discuss new business that has been brought before them:

Board Of Zoning Appeals
(Tuesday, November 16, 2010 @ 1:30pm)

CASE NO. 10-10: Mt. Gilead Baptist Church applied for the following variances; 1) To increase the allowable building ratio from 10% to 15.5%; 2) To increase the front yard setback from 60' to 30', the side yard setback from 30' to 15', and the rear yard setback from 30' to 15'; 3) To reduce the required parking spaces from 50 to 44. The property in question is located at 2821 Hillman Ave. in an R-72, Single- Family Residential Zoning District. Approval Granted
Attended- Chuck Sasho, Angelo Pignatelli, Irving Lev, Heather McMahon
Did not attend- Iris Guglucello, Jason Roller

Planning Commission
(Tuesday, November 16, 2010 @1:45pm)

REF NO. 09-10: The City of Youngstown submitted a request to change the zoning classification form, INS, Institutional to B-2, General Business. The property in question is bounded by W. Princeton Ave., Utilis St., W. Indianola Ave., and Glenwood Ave., City lot number 24495. Approval Recommended
Attended- Chuck Sasho, Angelo Pignatelli, Irving Lev, Heather McMahon
Did not attend- Iris Guglucello, Jason Roller

Design Review Committee
(Tuesday, November 2, 2010 @9:00am)

Case No. DRC 10-23: Atlas Neon Sign Corporation submitted a proposal for installation of lighted channel letter style wall signage on three sides of the building including logos and lettering reading 'First National Bank'. The property in question is located at One Federal Plaza W... Measure Approved
Attended- John DeFrance, Chuck Shasho, Ray DeCarlo, Karen Perkins
Did not attend- Summer Barker, Jason Rupe, Phil Kidd, Justin Rogers

Paper copies of the official meeting agendas can be requested from the City Planning Department, located at 9 W. Front St., 3rd Floor, Suite 315.

Youngstown Rental Property Registration Update

2010-11-17T23:05:00.000-05:00

The Rental Property Registration program (RPR) is in full swing! Inspectors are visiting between 50 and 70 properties a week. During their inspection activities they are also identifying rental properties that have not yet registered. Youngstown residents have been very eager to assist our office in identifying rental properties in their neighborhood. We also get calls daily from tenants who want to confirm that their apartment is registered.

The City of Youngstown gave landlords all summer long to register their properties. On September 30, 2010, a press conference was held to notify the public that fines of $100.00 per week would be imposed against any landlord that did not comply with the ordinance by registering all of their rental properties by October 7, 2010.

Landlords can download the registration forms from the City's website. There they will also find the Rental Property Registration checklist. Landlords are encouraged to go through rental properties with the checklist in hand to ensure that the properties are up to code before the inspectors arrive. If a violation is found during the first or second inspection, there is a $40.00 fee for re-inspection. If a property does not pass inspection during the third inspection, there is a $100.00 re-inspection fee.

The RPR office sets appointments with the property owner or the property manager by phone. An appointment time is scheduled, and if requested, the inspector will call the property owner or manager when they are on their way to the inspection site. If the RPR Office confirms an appointment and then the inspectors are not provided access to the property during the scheduled time, the property owner will be charged a $25.00 “no-show fee”. Cancellations can be made until 8:00 a.m. the morning of the scheduled time by calling (330) 742-8833 anytime. If the office is closed, a message may be left.

The City of Youngstown encourages anyone who may suspect that a property is a rental unit to e-mail the address to rpr@cityofyoungstownoh.com. They may also mail it to the office at City Hall, 9 West Front Street, Suite 315, Youngstown, OH, 44503.

Idora Neighborhood Streets Get a New Look

2010-11-08T10:17:00.001-05:00

On Tuesday, November 9th 2010, the first of the new Idora Neighborhood street signs will be hung on the corner of Winona and Glenwood. The public unveiling will take place at 3 p.m. The new custom designed signage depicts the neighborhood name in a raised center arch above the street name. Installation of the new neighborhood-specific signs represents the continued partnership between the City of Youngstown CDA and Idora Neighborhood Association in that area's ongoing revitalization. New signage for Idora is part of a specific strategy to increase neighborhood pride as outlined in the Idora Neighborhood Comprehensive Plan. By taking some extra time to compare pricing, the CDA was able to purchase the new signs at a reduced cost for Youngstown taxpayers. At $48.50 each, the total price for the custom-cut metal blanks and decals is a substantial savings compared to what the city has traditionally paid for its ordinary street signs. The CDA plans to work with Idora residents in installing the signs. Once these new street signs are in place, the CDA would like to target other City neighborhoods for custom signage, such as Brownlee Woods and Lincoln Knolls on the south and east sides of town, respectively.

Youngstown 2010, A Model Plan For Shrinking Cities All Over The World?

2010-10-28T13:54:00.001-04:00

The Youngstown 2010 Plan is a nationally and now internationally recognized plan that emphasizes the new concept of a shrinking city. City of Youngstown Community Development Agency director William D'Avignon met with the Kanagawa Municipality Promotion Association Staff, which is made up of various Japanese city employees from various cities on Monday October 25th to discuss the Youngstown 2010 Plan.

Japan was once an industrial power house like the United States. Now with much of the industrial jobs leaving Japan, as they did in the United States, they are beginning to face the same problems as United States cities such as Youngstown. Youngstown's population peaked around 1930 at about 170,000, and started to decline drastically in the 1970's with the closure of the steel mills. Youngstown now has a population somewhere around 72,000 people. One of the major problems with Youngstown is that it still has the infrastructure and services to provide for a city with twice the population. Providing services to unpopulated areas of the city is costly, and the vacant infrastructure causes negative side effects such as criminal activity.

Having researched Youngstown the Kanagawa Municipality Promotion Association Staff wished to come visit Youngstown and ask Mr. D'Avignon questions regarding Youngstown's infamous shrinking city plan. Questions inquiring about Youngstown's response to its drastic population decline, and what role non-profit organization play in the revitalization of the city. The Youngstown 2010 Plan has become such an inspiration to the staff that it has actually been translated into Japanese.

Two Professors from RWTH Aachen University in Germany also came to visit Youngstown on Friday October 22nd during their month long voyage through old industrialized cities. They also traveled to Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Erie, and Buffalo. Their purpose is to see how United States industrial cities are recovering from the collapse of industry. Doctoral students and professors Cyryl Garus and Martin Pudlik plan on bringing a group of planners back sometime in the near future to further research Youngstown and some of its old industrial neighbors. This would be to gain insight to bring back to Germany for possible applications on their older industrialized cities.

Monthly Meeting Updates: October 2010

2010-10-25T09:19:00.004-04:00

No new business on the agenda

Planning Commission
(Tuesday, October 19, 2010 @2:00pm)

No new business on the agenda

Design Review Committee
(Tuesday, October 5, 2010 @9:00am)

Case No.DRC 10-21: Benjamin Rantilla submitted a proposal for restaurant and storefront alterations. The property is located at 18 North Phelps Street. This measure was approved

Attended: John DeFrance, Phil Kidd, Summer Barker, Justin Rogers, William D'Avignon
Did Not Attend: Chuck Sasho, Jason Rupe

Special Design Review Committee Meeting
(Wednesday, October 20, 2010 @9:00am)

Case No.DRC 10-21: The City of Youngstown submitted a proposal regarding the Hazel Street extension. The property in question is located on Hazel Street and Commerce.

Case No. DRC 10-22: Diocese of Youngstown submitted a proposal for replacement of north facade of the Tribunal building and new decorative fence around new parking lot at Wood and Hazel Street. The property in question is located at 141 Rayen Avenue. This measure was approved.

Attended: Chuck Sasho, Phil Kidd, William D'Avignon, Summer Barker, Justin Rodgers, John Defrance
Did Not Attended: Jason Rupe

Monthly Meeting Updates: September 2010

2010-09-30T13:44:00.002-04:00

CASE NO. 10-09: Dominic Leone has appealed to reestablish a nonconforming use at 3718 Sheridan Road formally known as Jolly Joe's. The property was used as a sports bar and grill and he wishes to reopen it as a sports bar and grill. The property in question is in an R7.2, Single-Family Residential Zoning District. Approval Granted

Attended- Chuck Sasho, Mayor Jay Williams, Irning Lev, Angelo Pignatelli
Did Not Attend- Iris Guglucello, Jason Roller, Heather McMahon

Planning Commission
(Tuesday, September 21, 2010 @2:00pm)

REF NO. 07-10 ORD-10-260: This ordnance is authorizing the City Of Youngstown to proovide for the vacation of: Alpine Street Extension, a 60 ft. right-of-way from Poland Ave approximately 202.46 ft to the south westerly right-of-way line of Performance Place. Approval Recommended
REF NO. 08-10 ORD-10-261: This ordnance is authorizing the City Of Youngstown to provide for the vacation of: Part of Performance Place, a 60 ft. right-of-way, from city lot # 61878, southeast approximately 1,373.76 to south property line of city lot # 61879. Approval Recommended

Attended- Chuck Sasho, Mayor Jay Williams, Irning Lev, Angelo Pignatelli
Did Not Attend- Iris Guglucello, Jason Roller, Heather McMahon

Design Review committee
(Tuesday, September 14, 2010 @9:00am)

Case No. DRC 10-20: Holy Trinity Ukranian Catholic Church submitted a proposal for a free standing, brick illuminated sign near the front of the church. The property in question is located at 526 W. Rayen Ave. Approved
Case No. DRC 10-18: Mohammad Khan submitted a proposal to erect a fence. The property in question is located at 545 Market Street. Approved
Case No. DRC 10-19: City Printing Company submitted a proposal for facade renovations. The property in question is located at 122 Oakhill Avenue. Approved

Attended- Chuck Sasho, Phill Kidd, Justin Rogers, John DeFrance
Did Not Attend- Karen Perkins, Jason Rupe, Summer Barker

Paper copies of the official meeting agendas can be requested from the City Planning Department, located at 9 W. Front St., 3rd Floor, Suite 315.

Youngstown Receives National Recognition for its Deconstruction Program

2010-09-29T11:55:00.001-04:00

Youngstown was recently recognized at ICLEI’s annual Local Action Summit for its Youngstown Deconstruction Initiative (YDI) program. YDI received runner up honors in the Sustainability Leadership Award’s Planning Process Innovation category for midsized cities. Other award categories included Energy Efficiency Innovation, Community Outreach Innovation, and awards for individual members of city staff and elected officials who have made notable strides while working to achieve local sustainability.

The Local Action Summit was held in Washington D.C. from September 24 through September 26, 2010. The annual gathering allows local governments from across the country to participate in seminars, panel discussions, and networking events centered on innovative solutions to creating sustainable cities and communities.

Founded in 1990, ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability is an international association of local governments as well as national and regional local government organizations who have made a commitment to sustainable development. ICLEI provides technical consulting, training, and information services to build capacity, share knowledge, and support local government in the implementation of sustainable development at the local level. Their basic premise is that locally designed initiatives can provide an effective and cost-efficient way to achieve local, national, and global sustainability objectives. ICLEI currently has nearly 1,200 members, with over 600 located in the United States.

To date, YDI has completed 7 deconstruction and 8 waste diversion projects, and expects that total to reach 50 by the end of the year. Over 220 tons of building material has been diverted from the landfill for reuse and recycling, creating new jobs in the process.

The recognition received for its deconstruction efforts is just one more example of how Youngstown is regarded as a national Model of Sustainability.

September 27th Youngstown Community Congress Gathering

2010-09-17T10:27:00.006-04:00

On Monday September 27th 6:30 pm in Downtown Youngstown at Trinity United Methodist Church, 30 W Front Street, join the MVOC and an anticipated 1,000 Mahoning Valley residence for the first ever Youngstown Community Congress. It is free to attend and parking is provided across the street from the church. The reason for this gathering is for residence to have an opportunity to submit questions to important local and state officials as well as potential candidates. Common topics could range from neighborhood and economic revitalization, clean up of local corner stores, and vacant land as well as land bank issues. The MVOC has invited the Governor, U.S Senate, Attorney General and other state and local officials. Among those invited conformations have been received from Congressman Tim Ryan, Mayor Jay Williams, Yvette McGee Brown running mate to Governor Strickland, various city council members, Mahoning County Prosecutor Paul Gains, and many more.

If you are interested in attending you can sign up and reserve yourself a seat by clicking here.

Monthly Meeting Updates: August/September 2010

2010-09-09T13:09:00.003-04:00

Over the past few weeks the Board of Zoning appeals, City Planning Commission, and the Design Review Committee met to discuss various issues that were brought before them:

Board Of Zoning Appeals
(Tuesday, August 17 2010 @ 1:30pm)

Case NO. 10-07- St. Dominic's Church appealed for a variance to reduce the rear yard setback from 30' to 5'; to add an addition on to an existing structure. The property in question is located at 77 E. Lucius Avenue in an INS, Institutional Zoning District. The Board approved this measure.

Case NO. 10-08-Doris Lowe appealed for a variance to reduce the side yard set back on a corner lot from 23' to 6' to construct an enclosed porch. The property in question is located at 1577 Medford in an R-7.2, Single-Family Residential Zoning District. The Board approved this measure.

Attended- Iris Guglucello, Chuck Sasho, Angelo Pignatelli, Irving Lev
Did not attend- Jason Roller, Heather McMahon

Planning Commission
(Tuesday, August 17, 2010 @2:00pm)

REF NO. 04-10 -RE: Legislation- To zone approximately 6.411 acres on meridian road formerly Austintown Township as shown on the Annexation Plat-IL, Industrial Limited. The Commission recommended to approve this measure.

REF NO 0510- RE: Legislation- To zone approximately 190.838 acres on Martin Luther King formerly Girard Ohio as shown on the Annexation Plat-IH, Industrial Unlimited. The Commission recommended to approve this measure.

REF NO. 06-10 ORD-10-230: The amending ordinance number 94-586, passed by city council on April 26, 1995, which adopted the urban redevelopment plan for the west end of Downtown Youngstown; and the amendment being: to revise the map in Section III (G) (I) on page 59 to remove the building located at 138 West Federal, Liberty/Paramount Theater, from the conversation plan. The current page 59 will be replaced. This amendment is required for the proposed removal of blight and saving of the facade for a parking area/public space. The Committee voted to approve this measure.

Attended- Iris Guglucello, Chuck Sasho, Angelo Pignatelli, Irving Lev
Did not attend- Jason Roller, Heather McMahon

Design Review committee
(Tuesday, September 7, 2010 @9:00am)

Case NO. DRC 10-18: Mohammad Khan proposed to construct a fence. The property in question is locate at 545 Market Street. The committee deferred this measure.

Case NO. DRC 10-19: The City Printing Company submitted proposal for facade renovations. The property in question is located at 122 Oakhill Avenue. The committee deferred this measure.

Case NO> 10-20: Joe Schiavoni proposed to construct a statue/memorial. The committee deferred this measure.

Attended- Karen Perkins, Chuck Shasho, Summer Barker, Phil Kidd, Justin Rodgers
Did not attend- Jason Rupe, John DeFrance

Paper copies of the official meeting agendas can be requested from the City Planning Department, located at 9 W. Front St., 3rd Floor, Suite 315.

Grey to Green Festival Saturday September 11 at Wick Park

2010-09-07T14:23:00.003-04:00

Youngstown's third annual Grey to Green Festival will be held at Wick Park Saturday September 11. The purpose of the Grey to Green Festival is to increase awareness of environmental issues that perplex Youngstown and the world. On Saturday there will be a collaboration of environmentally oriented businesses, community organizations, local and regional agencies in attendance. This year the three keynote speakers will be Maurice Small of City Fresh in Cleveland, Ohio who will be discussing the importance of urban agriculture, James Anderson who is the CEO of Evergreen Cooperative will be discussing sustainable green jobs that his company has created in Cleveland, Ohio, and Michael Gainer of Buffalo Reuse will discuss neighborhood development and deconstruction. Youngstown's recent partner Global Green will also be in attendance.

The opening ceremony begins at 10am with Mayor Jay Williams and representatives from Congressmen Tim Ryan's office. The festival concludes at 5pm.

The 2010 Grey to Green Festival Schedule

Youngstown Gains International Interest

2010-09-02T13:50:00.005-04:00

Early this month director of Youngstown's Community Development Agency (CDA), William D'Avignon, was contacted by two separate international parties who have developed interests in Youngstown. Planning to visit Youngstown are two doctorate students from Germany's RWTH University Aachen, Martin Pudlik and Cyryl Garus, who are working on their dissertations on the development of regional analysis on industrialized regions in Poland and Germany. Mr. Pudlik and Mr. Garus wish to expand their research to the industrialized areas in Midwestern United States. The students have asked Mr. D'Avignon to meet with them on Tuesday, October 19th, to discuss issues in Youngstown.

Mr. D'Avignon also spoke with Dr. Sadatsugu Nishiura a professor who is teaching urban planning at Meisei University in Tokyo. Dr. Nishiura's main area of research is city and regional planning. For the past 15 years he has been doing research on American planning, and has published many papers on topics such as growth management and smart growth. Recently Dr. Nishiura has gained an interest in the Youngstown 2010 plan and has many questions and inquiries. Dr. Nishiura along with a dozen other planners will be visiting Youngstown in October. Mr.D'Avignon has agreed to meet with them on Monday, October 25th, to discuss the Youngstown 2010 plan. This will be the second time that they have visited Youngstown.

Monthly Meeting Updates: July/August 2010

2010-08-20T12:40:00.000-04:00

Over the past few weeks, the Board of Zoning appeals, City Planning Commission, and the Design Review Committee met to discuss various issues that were brought before them:

Board of Zoning Appeals
(Tuesday, July 20, 2010 @1:30pm)

Case No. 10-05 -- Randall Courdriet appealed for a variance at 414 Rhoda to reduce the rear syard set back from 9ft to 4ft and to increase the maximum size of an accessory building from 770 sq ft. to 1016 sq ft. The Board approved this measure.
Case No. 10-06 -- Joseph A. Salus appealed for a variance at 595 Carlotta Dr. to reduce the side yard setback from 8.2 feet to 3 feet to build an attached garage. The Board approved this measure.

City Planning Commission
(Tuesday, July 20, 2010 @2:00pm)

REF No. 3-10 -- Fred Schulte requested to establish a regulated use, identified as a second-hand store, within a 500 ft. radius of another use. The property is located at 1701 Mahoning Avenue in a business district. The Commission recommended to City Council that this measure be approved.

Design Review Committee
(Tuesday August 3, 2010 @9:00am)

Case No. DRC 10-17 -- Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA) proposed the reconstruction of concrete areas at WRTA's Federal Station at 340 W. Federal St. The Committee voted to approve this measure.

Paper copies of the official meeting agendas can be requested from the City Planning Department, located at 9 W. Front St., 3rd Floor, Suite 315.

Monthly Meeting Updates Series

2010-08-16T10:50:00.001-04:00

In efforts to provide the public with information about activities within the city, the CDA Communicator will provide monthly updates about issues addressed before the City Planning Commission, the Board of Zoning Appeals, and the Design Review Committee. Each of these entities meets once monthly, and official agendas and attendance lists are on file for public record at the Department of Planning. Articles on the Communicator will summarize the issues and indicate the entity's decision on each.

The City Planning Commission is an advisory committee to City Council in matters of land use and planning. Amendments to the zoning map, ordinance, street dedications/vacations, annexations, and detachments all go through the Commission. The Commission then makes recommendations to Council. A resolution passed to Council by the City Planning Commission takes a super majority to reject and a simple majority to pass.

The Board of Zoning Appeals is responsible for making interpretations of the zoning ordinance. Zoning code ordinances allow for some variances. The Board has the power to accept or reject proposals for specific variance requests brought to their attention.

The Design Review Committee reviews all proposals to change the aesthetic appearance of the center city. The Committee reviews proposals for new development, redevelopment, and improvements to existing facilities to determine whether or not they meet city standards. The Committee has the ability to accept or deny a proposal and/or to make recommendations.

Parkview Gardens in Full Bloom: An Update on Lots of Green

2010-07-28T15:04:00.000-04:00

In only a month's time since the Communicator last reported on the subject, lots of progress has occurred on the YNDC's Lots of Green pilot program in Idora Neighborhood. Several of the neighborhood's newly planted community gardens are in full bloom, and neighborhood residents and youth are busily watering plants and trees while contractors continue to deconstruct dilapidated homes to make way for expansion.

Lots of Green is an initiative to re-utilize vacant land in Youngstown for productive green space uses including reforestation, passive green space, expanded yards for residents, community gardens, and other practical purposes. YNDC hopes to use the successes of Lots of Green to create a workable model for sustainable vacant property reclamation that can be implemented to in neighborhoods all across the city and in other communities nation-wide.

So far, this program has been a great success. Over 75 neighborhood residents are active participants in the gardens and hundreds have become involved in the program as a whole. Over 115 lots have been affected

In the video above, Ian Beniston, YNDC's Assistant Director, talks about the Lots of Green program and progress in one of the neighborhood's larger gardens, Parkview Neighborhood Garden.

CDA Proposes Gray to Green Project to EPA

2010-07-26T12:34:00.000-04:00

Today, the Community Development Agency is submitting a project proposal application for the Environmental Protection Agency's Climate Showcase Communities grant. The Climate Showcase Communities Grant Program's goal is to fund programs that "create replicable models of sustainable community action that generate cost-effective and persistent greenhouse gas reductions while improving the environmental, economic, public health, or social conditions in a community."

Youngstown's proposal, titled Youngstown Neighborhood Transformation: Gray to Green Project is a comprehensive program aimed at making inner-city neighborhoods in Youngstown healthier, greener, and more sustainable through three primary activities: deconstruction, home energy-efficiency retrofitting, and vacant lot reclamation. This project proposal will tackle the larger environmental problems of greenhouse gas emissions and solid waste management by building community partnerships, generating jobs and stabilizing struggling neighborhoods on a tight, efficient budget.

The Gray to Green program proposal will expand upon the existing partnership between the CDA, YNDC, Global Green USA, MVOC, MYCAP and Mill Creek MetroParks to accomplish its objectives. All six organizations have committed to match the funding request with well over the required amount of in-kind revenue and volunteered staff time during both the planning and implementation phases of the project.

Gray to Green, not to be confused with the Grey to Green Festival (though certainly related in outlook) will target its three activities in several declining inner-city neighborhoods across the city in hopes to build a replicable implementation model for deconstruction, vacant lot reclamation, and housing retrofits that can be employed in other neighborhoods across the city and in other cities struggling from neighborhood instability and serious environmental concerns.

President of Global Green Visits Youngstown

2010-06-30T15:43:00.001-04:00

Matt Petersen, president and CEO of Global Green USA, visited Youngstown on Tuesday and met with local government officials to talk about Global Green's plans to help the city improve its efforts to go green. Global Green is a comprehensive, environmentally-focused nonprofit organization that addresses some of the "greatest challenges facing humanity," especially through its efforts to provide a safe, clean, and sustainable living environment to communities. Global Green works with governments, nonprofit organizations, education systems and other local groups to help them find practical, affordable strategies for making environmentally conscious development decisions. They also help organizations secure funding for initiatives that help to accomplish these goals.

After Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, Global Green stepped in through its Holy Cross Project and helped to build a low-cost, environmentally-friendly housing development within the city. Global Green also retrofitted schools in New Orleans with practical weatherizing and energy-efficiency improvements that are saving the city tens of thousands annually on utility costs. Global Green is based in Los Angeles and also has offices in New Orleans and Washington DC.

Petersen expressed to city council that he believes Youngstown has the potential to become a model of sustainable redevelopment for the entire Midwest; and possibly for the nation. Global Green is committed to assisting city government and local organizations by helping them acquire resources and develop strategies to improve sustainability within the community. They are currently working directly with the Community Development Agency to produce a report that investigates the carbon footprint of both city government and the city at large. Upon its completion, this report will help city officials figure out how to operate more efficiently and save money on energy costs. Global Green has also begun discussions with local community organizations in order to partner with and compliment their environmentally-conscious efforts.

For more information about Youngstown's partnership with Global Green, take a look at the The Vindicator's December article.

Public Meeting to Discuss Hubbard Arterial Ammendment at the Covelli Centre

2010-06-28T12:29:00.001-04:00

A public meeting will be held on Tuesday June 29th at 5pm at the Covelli Centre in downtown Youngstown to discuss a potential amendment to the Eastgate 2030 Long Range Transportation Plan. The City of Youngstown asked Eastgate to amend the plan to include the Hubbard Arterial Project.

The meeting will be used to discuss the amendment process and to gather public input. For more information, please check the City of Youngstown Website and the Vindicator report.

Idora Neighborhood Transforms Vacant Property into Lots of Green

2010-06-22T12:54:00.000-04:00

What were once blighted buildings and weed-covered lots are now being transformed into tilled topsoil and fertilized planters for fresh produce in Idora Neighborhood on the south side of Youngstown. Bulldozers can be seen working at vacant sites all throughout the neighborhood, leveling and preparing land for conversion to gardens and public green space.

Idora Neighborhood is a test site for Lots of Green, a project initiated by the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation (YNDC) in order to "[transform] the challenge of unmanaged vacant land into neighborhood assets." The process involves the systematic removal of derilict buildings and the reclamation of vacant lots in targeted neighborhoods. These lots, in turn, are adaptively re-used and converted into a wide range of public green space uses, based upon the specific needs and interests of the neighborhood.

In Idora, YNDC has joined forces with the Community Development Agency to get the neighborhood's blighted homes and buildings systematically deconstructed and demolished using federal Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) funding. YNDC also raised funding to cover the cost of the plants, trees, tools, and landscaping needed to transform these vacant lots into productive space.

In total, the Lots of Green project is in the process of recovering over 125 neglected properties interspersed throughout Idora Neighborhood, converting them into assets instead of liabilities. Approximately 150 lots will be improved by the time the project has been completed.

These lots are being re-purposed for a wide variety of different uses based closely on interests of the neighborhood's residents. Lots adjacent to Mill Creek Park, which borders the neighborhood on three sides, are being returned to the forest for the park's expansion or converted into rain gardens to reduce water pollution and soil erosion. Smaller sites located between houses are being leveled for passive green space or as side lots for neighbors using native plantings and special low-maintenance grasses. Some of the larger locations are being used for raised-bed community gardens where neighbors and the public are welcome to adopt space and plant produce. On Mineral Springs Road, a large lot is being set aside for the Mineral Springs Demonstration Farm, and urban agriculture project that will include community space. One site is even being used as a research garden for Ohio State University.

This community-based, institutionally-supported project falls directly in line with the Idora Neighborhood Plan, a community planning document for the neighborhood's redevelopment. The plan recommends that blighted, vacant space should be re-used for productive,purposes that engage the community. Both the Idora plan and the planting initiative directly follow the guidelines of the Youngstown 2010 CityWide Plan, which calls for the reclamation of vacant land for green space in order to reduce blight, improve neighborhood conditions and right-size the city for a smaller population.

Lots of Green in Idora is another example of why Youngstown is being looked toward as a model of sustainability. This initiative is drawing attention for its use of community-based planning strategies and because of its innovative and comprehensive approach to neighborhood stabilization. If successful, it will serve as a model for future efforts of revitalizing vacant property throughout Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley.

Mahoning County Land Bank Wins Funding Award

2010-06-15T08:54:00.005-04:00

Last week, EfficientGovNow announced that Mahoning County will be awarded with $61,420 for its Collaborative Land Bank Program. The cities of Youngstown, Campbell, Struthers, and Austintown Township worked together with Lien Forward Ohio to submit a funding proposal. EfficicentGovNow is an initiative sponsored by the Fund for Our Economic Future which provides competitive grants for public projects in Northeast Ohio that involve government collaboration. Winning projects are chosen by popular vote, and all residents of Northeast Ohio may participate in the voting process via the web, phone, or paper ballot.

The Mahoning River Mayor's Association, Mahoning County Treasurer's Department, Mahoning Valley Organizing Collaborative, and Lien Forward Ohio helped raised awareness in order to get residents of the Mahoning Valley to vote in this competition. Their efforts were a major success. Only four out of the total number of projects in the competition received funding, and of those projects, the Mahoning County Land Bank topped the list.

The funding will cover 80% of the project's proposed start-up budget. This is the second year in a row that the Mahoning Valley has won funding from EfficientGovNow for collaborative government projects. The community's strong voting response demonstrates the Valley's commitment and desire to see governments work together for the benefit of the entire region.

Youngstown Launches Rental Property Registration Program

2010-06-08T11:15:00.001-04:00

On May 26th, 2010, the City of Youngstown launched its new Rental Property Registration program. As of June 1st, 2010, all landlords will be required to register their rental properties annually. This program was launched to work toward several objectives that will increase the quality of life in the city.

The registration program provides the city with the ability to account for all of the rental properties within its boundaries. Up until this point, no complete list of rental properties existed, making data collection, service provision, and inspection difficult tasks to accomplish. With information about every rental property at hand, the city will be able to better serve the needs of both renters and property owners.

The program also helps the city to ensure that residents have a living environment that is both safe and healthy by providing mandatory annual inspections of all rental properties. Through this measure, the program will discourage irresponsible and neglectful property owners and provide an effective structure to hold them accountable to both the city and the community at large. Landlords with properties that fail to meet minimum quality of life standards will be fined and forced to undergo additional inspections until their property is up to code. This measure also protects the investment of responsible property owners by reducing blight in the city.

The Rental Property Registration Program will provide the city with a strong tool for data collection and enforcement. It will ultimately help to improve the quality of life for residents and provide a more stable business environment for property owners. With the goal of benefiting city residents and responsible property owners, the program seeks to educate the public and start a dialogue about how to best reduce the impact of irresponsible landlords.

Coupled with a variety of additional tools and strategies, registering landlords will help the city to better provide a fair, friendly and attractive rental environment for both renters and property owners alike.

For complete information, the press release, and a copy of the Rental Property Registration form, please visit the City of Youngstown's official Rental Property Registration Page.

Transparency and Accountability Link Posted Online

2009-12-02T12:11:00.003-05:00

The CDA has posted its transparency and accountability page on the CDA website. The link shows records of NSP grant spending, which will total $2,7 million. You can see how much money has been appropriated to the following areas:

Administration

Demolition

YNDC Housing Acquisition and Rehabilitation

YMHA Housing Acquisition and Rehabilitation

City Acquisition and Rehabilitation

You can also view information about targeted demolition areas along with specific addresses, and you'll be able to see what contractors are responsible for these jobs. NSP funds have already gone to over 20 demolition contracts, and over $500,000 has been spent on demolition.

Confidence Lost?

2009-11-18T15:31:00.004-05:00

Tuesday the carriage house at 259 Park Ave. was demolished. Since then, there has been much impassioned dialogue — and rightfully so — about why the demolition happened, despite plans for preservation.

The CDA is committed to carrying out the community’s wishes. The CDA did its part to communicate the mutual commitment that was reached between residents and neighborhood stakeholders at a public forum Nov. 9 at Wick Park.

During the discussion, attendants pledged to develop a task force to determine an interim strategy for the reuse of the remaining historical structures at 259 Park Ave. The property, the recent target of arson, was built in 1875. The stone structure was the first house on Park Ave. in what is now a historic district recognized by The National Register of Historical Places.

While 259 Park Ave. was demolished, the structure was not the only thing that the city lost. The city lost the confidence of the community in its ability to effectively implement agreed upon strategy for neighborhood revitalization.

The CDA has always strived to remain sensitive to the needs and concerns of residents. The recent activities surrounding 259 Park Ave. show that there is still much room for improvement. There must be effective collaboration between city departments if community-based projects are to be successful.

Neighborhood Action Partners: Treez Please

2009-11-06T10:20:00.003-05:00

In continuing with our Neighborhood Action Partners series, we’re profiling Deb Weaver and her work with Treez Please, an organization that has been instrumental in Youngstown’s beautification process.

If you notice more trees lining Youngstown’s streets, you have Deb Weaver to thank for the added greenery.

Since Weaver, along with four other initial members, started Treez Please about two years ago, she and others have undertaken various projects aimed at replenishing the city’s trees.

For their first project, Treez Please acquired property on the corner of Broadway and Kensington, turning the area into a pocket park that included trees and a walking path. Initially, Weaver wanted Treez Please to be a reforestation project that would take advantage of the changes created by building removal.

“It was creating a lot of green space,” Weaver said of demolition.

In addition to reforestation, Treez Please members have been focusing much of their time on targeting neighborhoods with streets in need of foliage. Most recently, they have finished working on an area on Midlothian and also did some planting in Wick Park. Weaver also plans to work downtown, in a project that will add two trees to the front of the DeYor Performing Arts Center.

In addition to continuing with the street tree projects, Weaver has her sights set on expansion. Fundraisers and grants approved by the Wean Foundation finance Treez Please, but Weaver wants to go after bigger Neighborhood Success grants.

“There’s more and more demand,” she said.

In addition to Treez Please, Weaver is involved in a number of other organizations:

Founding member of the Grey to Green Festival
Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation
Neighborhood Success Grant Board
Art Youngstown

She also blogs about Youngstown.

Photo courtesy of Deb Weaver

YNDC Executive Director Chosen

2009-11-05T14:41:00.002-05:00

The Youngstown Neighborhood Development corporation has chosen Presley Gillespie as its executive director. You can read more about Gillespie in the Business Journal's article.

Neighborhood Action Partners: Profiling the City's Unsung Heroes

2009-10-16T13:17:00.005-04:00

Sometimes it’s easy to forget that change starts at the grassroots level. Youngstown’s ongoing revitalization can be attributed not only to a few well-known faces, but also to the many unsung heroes who are involved in their own communities. These people may not get quoted in the newspaper. They may not appear in local documentaries. But all the same, these individuals are the ones who are affecting change on their streets and blocks. In an effort to recognize some of these people, The CDA has decided to do a blog series called Neighborhood Action Partners. Feel free to suggest people to feature in the series.

Sybil West: President of the Bennington Block Watch on the East Side

Sybil West used to hear gunshots at night. Now she can hear crickets chirp.

“This is a beautiful side of town, a lot of green spaces, a lot of potential,” West says.

West says crime on the East Side was bad in the 70s, 80s, and 90s – the block watch was started by a neighbor who had her car stolen. But now the neighborhood has really changed. West, 63, has been president of the Bennington Block Watch for the last three years. The block watch offers a social outlet for its members, since many are senior citizens. But the group has also been instrumental in helping to make the community a safe and calm one.

West and other members participate in a crime watch, and work to reduce blight and deterioration by utilizing a grass cutting program. The block watch has even joined forces with the MVOC.

West’s positive attitude and leadership have helped keep her community secure. Her group’s work can be a prime example of how city safety begins with neighborhoods.

Grey to Green Festival: A Success!

2009-09-14T10:42:00.003-04:00

The turnout Saturday afternoon at the Grey to Green Festival at Wick Park is just added proof of just how much of a city's revitalization starts with community activism and involvement.

There was great food, performances, art, crafts, music, and information. But apart from all this, there was an underlying energy present. This energy manifested itself in the positive response the audience gave when listening to Will Allen, an urban farmer who was awarded with the MacArthur Fellowship for bringing sustainable food practices to urban areas. The energy was also evident in the inquisitive nature of the attendees.

Far from just accepting brochures and moving on to the next booth, some people who stopped by the City of Youngstown table stayed to talk and to ask questions. Many were interested in the deconstruction process. Some wanted to know about marketing the salvaged materials, others questioned how much job creation the deconstruction would result in. Some inquired about the Youngstown 2010 Plan.

Above all, these questions exemplify the interest that people have in the city's sustainable practices, in its redevelopment process. And the best part about it was that people of all ages were doing the questioning.

The diversity was largely apparent in the attendance of the festival itself. Young kids, older senior citizens, families, college students -- all of these people found a reason to come to Wick Park on a Saturday. Maybe most had been to Wick Park before. But maybe this was some people's first time there. And maybe this means they'll be coming back to the park, back downtown. And that means a couple more people become part of Youngstown's ever-growing community of proactive individuals. Namely, they wake up and notice that the city has changed for the better while they were sleeping.

Who Are We!

2009-09-14T10:36:00.003-04:00

Youngstown has seen a lot of positive changes occur over the past several years. Even prior to the Youngstown 2010 plan many of those changes were underway. The Youngstown Business Incubator (YBI), economic development in the business parks such as Salt Springs and Performance Place, and the downtown convocation center were all underway pre-Youngstown 2010.

The Youngstown 2010 plan, however, has been the thing that has brought the most attention to us. National and international professional planners, journalists and scholars have been looking to and visiting Youngstown to see how the Youngstown 2010 plan is being implemented. No matter how we see ourselves locally, the outside world sees us and the Youngstown 2010 plan as “The Model of Sustainability.”

Yes, in quotations and bold.

The successes of the YBI, the business parks, downtown, Millcreek Park, or the latest wave, being named a top ten place for entrepreneurs, are all important by themselves. Still, they do not fully represent who we are or how we are seen.

Diversifying our economy with high tech, light manufacturing and distribution and entrepreneurs makes us more sustainable. Having a world class urban park system makes us more sustainable. Being the home of Youngstown State University makes us more sustainable. Being a model of sustainability gives us identity.

Three simple words; say it with me: model of sustainability.

Now share it with everyone you know.

A fresh look through a new lens

2009-08-31T15:40:00.002-04:00

Saturday morning the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation, a newly formed non-profit CDC, toured the Idora Neighborhood with residents from the neighborhood, community organizers, and myself.

David Boehlke from New Orleans, LA and Joel Owens from Akron, two nationally recognized community development experts, joined the tour. It was interesting to get an outside perspective on the overall condition of the neighborhood. These two agreed that there are more opportunities in this neighborhood than challenges.

The modest and affordable housing offers a unique marketability for reestablishing homeownership. The neighborhood is comprised of approximately 750 housing units, of which 67 percent are owner-occupied.

NSP funds will be targeted in the neighborhood to remove 48 abandoned houses and conduct acquisition and rehabilitation of a minimum of six housing units. CDA has already completed 17 owner-occupied housing projects with $450,000 of HOME, CDBG, and Lead abatement funds. The Idora Neighborhood will be the first of the Youngstown 2010 “model of sustainability” projects.

Transparency & Accountability

2009-08-31T15:39:00.000-04:00

We will be posting at www.cityofyoungstownoh.com a transparency and accountability link that will contain records of NSP grant spending. In looking at the records, you’ll be able to see how much of the $2.7 million of NSP funds are being spent by category for each activity including:

Administration
Demolition
YNDC Housing Acquisition and Rehabilitation
YMHA Housing Acquisition and Rehabilitation
City Acquisition and Rehabilitation

This is in keeping with the Obama Administration’s desire to be accountable to the public for stimulus program spending. Information will be available about specific areas that are targeted for demolition. The public will be able to view contractors as well as addresses for each activity. Providing this level of detail will be an ideal way for the public to track the improvements made at a neighborhood level.

Grey to Green Festival

2009-08-24T12:08:00.004-04:00

When you're at the Grey to Green Festival Sept. 12 at Wick Park, be sure to stop by the CDA booth to learn about deconstruction, Youngstown's designation as a tree city, and the energy efficiency block grant the city recently received.

Deconstruction

2009-08-18T12:36:00.019-04:00

The CDA's first efforts at deconstruction have gone well: The city worked with David Bennink of Reuse Consulting to successfully deconstruct two structures, one at 945 Brentwood and one at 28 Illinois.

Besides gaining some news coverage, we set a precedent for a viable alternative to demolition. The city reuses 60 percent of materials, making deconstruction a greener approach to cleaning up blighted neighborhoods. The projects also help out the local economy, since deconstruction requires more jobs than demolition does.

The pictures above and below are from the Brentwood project.

Bring on the Buzz

2009-08-18T11:07:00.004-04:00

The buzz from Entrepreneur Magazine’s article about Youngstown was certainly well-deserved, and it has proved to be long-lasting.

Google “Youngstown” and “Entrepreneur Magazine” and you’ll find the expected local and regional conversation and the expected but often-forgotten appearances we have in the write-ups about the other cities. Reuters even picked up the story and The Wall Street Journal mentioned the accomplishment when they covered the 10 Living Cities Symposium.

Some people were even pleasantly surprised.

Still though, the buzz continued with Sen. Sherrod Brown’s speech and Mayor William’s appearance on C-SPAN.

We’ve worked this hard to keep it going. Now we can make sure we fully utilize this great marketing tool. The city can make the distinction a label, a logo (Kind of like the one above?), a motto, that could appear on everything from city websites to promotional materials to banners downtown. Businesses could be encouraged to display the honor on their own websites. It can be a visual reminder (and a verbal one to prospective businesses) that Youngstown is back in the game. We knew this already, of course. It just took a while for the rest of the nation to figure it out.

Regional Property Information System

2009-08-17T14:38:00.004-04:00

It's nice to have everything in one place.

That's the theory behind the Regional Property Information System, a database where anyone with Internet access can find a variety of information about city land.

The site, which will be up by the end of the year, will work like an interactive map. You'll be able to print the map, and turn layers on and off to get data. You can search by parcel or census tract, depending on the data you're interested in.

The site will be housed at YSU's Center for Urban and Regional Studies website, but the City will eventually have a link to it, too.

Examples of some of the kinds of information you'll be able to access through the database:

Economic data
Property improvements
Home Mortgage Declassification Act
Property tax data
Property sales information
Tax lien data
Census data

Living Cities Symposium

2009-08-17T13:11:00.007-04:00

Last year, Forbes.com took a cheap shot at Youngstown and nine other cities.

This year we fought back, during the 10 Living Cities Symposium in Dayton, which recieved national media attention.

During a presentation Aug. 8, The Mayor talked about his request for $5 million in federal stimulus funds for economic development, with which he pledges to create an investment that is three times that amount. He also discussed deconstruction efforts. Phil Kidd talked about the importance of neighborhood groups like the MVOC and community development efforts like the YNDC. The presentation also included the second trailer from the Steel Valley: Meltdown documentary.

Wetland Mitigation Project

2009-08-17T10:45:00.007-04:00

Drive out to the East Side of Youngstown, and in some parts the view resembles that of the country, instead of something you'd expect to see inside the city limits.

What does one do with acres of unused, empty land?

The CDA thinks it makes sense to work with what's there: we're allocating $25,000 to the Youngstown State University Center for Urban and Regional Studies for a project that could create a wetland mitigation bank for land on the East Side of Youngstown.

The bank would be used by developers who need to purchase new wetlands to replace the wetlands that they have destroyed.

The use for the area makes sense, since many parts of the proposed area for the bank, about 2,700 acres (4.2 square miles), are already wetlands. Also, the project goes hand in hand with Youngstown 2010's goal of right-sizing the city.

John Bralich, senior G.I.S. analyst at The Center for Urban and Regional Studies, says that there needs to be at least 100 acres in the bank to make the project worthwhile. The city owns two 20-acre properties that could each serve as potential sites for a wetland mitigation bank. There are many more additional parcels the city could acquire through the foreclosure process.

The city may be onto something fairly new here. Though wetland mitigation banks are common to rural areas, Bralich says the only other urban bank he's aware of is located in Washington State.

An Introduction

2009-08-14T08:19:00.000-04:00

This blog is your place to read about achievements within the CDA and city. There's also going to be some topics that can lend themselves to a bit more regularlity. Expect monthly updates on board of zoning appeals, planning commission agendas, and design and review meetings.

It's also a good place to check out what plans the department has for future community development. Posting statistics about demolitions completed and properties land banked is obviously necessary, but these numbers aren't really noteworthy unless they are pieces of the greater whole, laid against the backdrop of a plan. So expect to find here not only a list of what the CDA has done, but also some thoughts on the department's long term goals and aspirations.