Vacant home demolition plans in the works Youngstown and Mahoning County
Youngstown was known as the worst city in the nation as far as per-capita vacant, badly damaged homes, according to the Mahoning County Land Bank, but the city and county are working on this issue. Some state funding along with American Rescue Plan funds is expected to take demolition a big step further.
John Russo is an Austintown homeowner of 30 years living right next to a vacant home that he says is only a burden and safety concern for neighbors surrounding it.
"Well I think it depreciates the value of the neighborhoods," Russo said, "It's a possibility for people to move in that don't pay anything to live there and another reason, safety concerns... because of that plus right now all the animals in the neighborhood are living in that house."
This vacant home along with about 200 others in county neighborhoods has plans to be demolished by the Mahoning County Land Bank with new state funding. The Land Bank has secured $500,000 with plans to receive more funds.
"If we can secure that at the local level, We can meet, I believe all of the needs of these communities, and if not all of the needs, very significant numbers," Executive Director of the Land Bank, Deborah Flora said.
The bulk of the vacant home problem remains in the city of Youngstown, holding an additional 800 vacant homes in city limits alone. About 500 of the worst homes are mainly in the first, third and sixth ward causing many health and safety concerns for surrounding residents.
"They have to oftentimes live in fear of whoever maybe next door, or grandkids or nephews and nieces coming over and, you know, going into that house thinking it's safe, and you could fall into a floor or you could come across an animal," First Ward Councilman Julius Oliver said.
Flora said, "If Youngstown identifies the match dollars needed for this program, Youngstown can eliminate the mass demolition needs in the city and I think that's remarkable."
A majority of council members approve of Youngstown's demolition plans, but legislation is still being drafted. The city plans to use state grants and ARP funds. The total cost to demolish all homes in the Valley is about $10-million.
