Youngstown using ARP funds to revitalize downtown East End

Youngstown City Council approved a number of ARP projects Wednesday evening, with one focusing specifically on the east end of downtown.

The project directs $300,000 in ARP funds to the area in hopes of growing businesses and helping entrepreneurs on East Federal Street.

"The east end of downtown Youngstown has been neglected for years. A group of entrepreneurs and other businesses want the east end revitalized and want to bring it back," Councilman Julius Oliver said.

The east end of Federal Street was once the home of a number of steel mill buildings, leaving huge buildings occupying that end.

"Being able to put money, time, and resources into the old steel mill buildings costs a lot of money. This is basically a redevelopment stimulus for entrepreneurs on the east end to help get their feet off the ground," Oliver said.

The revitalization of East Federal has already begun.

Penguin City Beer opened up at the former Republic Steel Warehouse, and DOPE Cider House & Winery is now sharing that space with them.