SitemapThe city’s Design Review Committee approved $60,000 in grants Tuesday morning for exterior improvements for three local organizations, including a nearly $2 million renovation to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Youngstown.
The $20,000 grant awarded to the youth organization will help cover exterior costs, including two signs and new asphalt for the 2105 Oak Hill Ave. building’s sidewalk and parking lot, according to city documents.
The club has raised more than $1.1 million toward the project, James Bird, CEO and executive director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Youngstown, said. That includes $750,000 awarded by Ohio Mental Health and Substance Abuse. Design work was completed recently, and the project will go out for bid within the month.
“The entire project now is well over $1.5 million. It’s approaching $2 million,” he said. The goal is to make the façade more attractive to local youths and increase the building’s visibility, “but also to highlight and be a beacon to the South Side.”
Once the renovation is completed, the club will move forward on creation of a community park behind the building, funded by a $1.5 million appropriation through the office of former U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan.
The other two exterior improvement grants – also for $20,000 each – were awarded to Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation and Congregation Ohev Beth Sholom.
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