Council Greenlights Housing Improvement Efforts in Youngstown - WKBN

As the city of Youngstown plans to build newer and affordable houses and rehab existing ones, $8 million of American Rescue Plan funds will help the housing crisis in the city. A proposal was brought up in Youngstown City Council’s Wednesday evening to get funds for housing in the city. The plan, which includes all seven wards, would send $8 million to the Community Development Division. “There’s a housing stock shortage. This is just another opportunity to get individuals who want to be homeowners to be homeowners,” said Youngstown Mayor Jamael “Tito” Brown. “We’re looking, not to tell what we’re going to do, but we’re going to ask questions and have community outreach,” said Beverly Hosey, director of Community Development.

The plan would build new houses around the city, taking some of the existing structures and rehabilitating them. Councilman Julius Oliver said people he’s talked to in his ward support it but have a concern for a lack of a senior facility. “They said, basically, we don’t want to have to go to the suburbs to age in place, when it’s time. Is the city going to do anything within this plan to build a senior facility that’s adequate?” Oliver said. Hosey said this is part of their consideration, along with rehabbing homes that seniors already live in. “It’s very important to all of us, and it’s particular to our team,” Hosey said.

To read the full story from WKBN, click here.