SitemapFor about a year, the Greater Ohio Policy Center, which was contracted by Eastgate, has been working on a housing study of Mahoning and Trumbull counties. On Jan. 16, Eastgate, along with the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber, will host a housing action plan meeting where GOPC will announce recommendations and a housing strategy for the two counties.
A housing needs assessment last month found a lack of diverse housing at a variety of prices in the two counties. It reported that affording a home is a challenge for households that earn between 30% and 50% of the area’s median income, but it’s even more challenging for households earning less. For a family of three, 50% of the area’s median income is $77,200 annually. In another matter, Kinnick said the agency resubmitted its request for a federal grant to study elimination of the Madison Avenue Expressway and vacant service roads and to tie the city’s North Side into the downtown. “Again, this is just planning money to see if it’s feasible,” he said. It needs to be studied to determine if it would work. Eastgate also plans to submit two $20 million U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grants for improvement projects. Justin Mondok, director of planning and development, said the U.S. EPA allows Eastgate to be a lead applicant on both grant requests.
“This is a one-time shot at money,” he said. “This is not going to be a continuing program the U.S. EPA will have. ”Eastgate officials believe that whatever direction the federal department goes, the region is well-positioned to secure some of the federal money, Mondok said. The first project was led by a coalition that includes the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation and Trumbull Neighborhood Partnership, as well as nonprofits and community organizations. The effort is supported by the Healthy Community Partnership of the Mahoning Valley, he said.
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