One of the fastest growing areas for local businesses is Boardman Township.

Dating back from last year to now, nearly 20 businesses are either open, under construction, or in the process of having a current building redeveloped.

"We're seeing a lot of money pumped back into redevelopment of the township right now but just seems to be a lot of smaller projects kind of revitalizing the area, which is what we like to see," Boardman Township Administrator Jason Loree said.

While it's giving shoppers more options, it is also upgrading stormwater regulations and landscaping standards for the township.

"Biggest benefit for Boardman residents is when we have those new standards they have to meet with stormwater retention and new landscaping because it just brings that property up to current code and you get a direct benefit so the more stormwater that is being encapsulated, it's not running off and causing more flooding so new development comes with new standards, and that's what we like to see as these old places get repurposed," Loree said.

Loree says what has been encouraging to see is so many companies redeveloping buildings that have been vacant if they can't find land for new construction.

"As these other places want to come into town, if they can't find enough spots, they typically look to acquire more property and redevelop, and that is good because it brings things up to the new standard and just gives the community a newer feel and that is important," Loree said.

Loree says it's also good to see businesses continuing to invest in an environment of high inflation.

"It's good for the county, it's good for the township and its jobs, economy, and all helps," Loree said. "They are coming in and finding us. What we did at the township was improve our zoning process by taking a lot of it online to kind of speed up some of the things they would normally do on paper, and I think that has helped, but right now, we are seeing everyone focusing specifically in on areas in the township where a property is sitting empty, they can acquire it and flip and redevelop quickly.

So what does Loree attribute to the boom in business?

"The development that is currently here brings in other people attracted to the market, so a lot of that comes down to whose currently players in the current market and people wanting to be involved, so the destination has always been here since the development of the Southern Park Mall and the Boardman Plaza, and a lot of businesses just center around this strip of development, so we like to see that it is constantly getting new life."