SOBE Thermal Energy Systems said it "respects" the city's "cautious approach," after Youngstown City Council voted unanimously in late December to place a one-year hold on plans for SOBE to convert scrapped tire chips into synthetic gas. 

The company plans to use a technology called pyrolysis on North Avenue in downtown Youngstown, to provide heating and cooling to dozens of downtown businesses, and invites the community to discuss the plans further. 

This comes after citizens and leaders expressed public safety concerns.

In a statement sent out Thursday, the company said it has acknowledged City Council's decision to further study the technology and is committed to working with the city and community to "foster an understanding of the technology's benefits." 

SOBE CEO David Ferro said SOBE "reiterates its commitment to providing environmentally responsible and cost-effective energy solutions to Youngstown."

Ferro adds, "This process not only helps in addressing the global challenge of tire disposal but also significantly reduces our reliance on natural gas. This means stable and lower energy costs for our local businesses, regardless of seasonal temperature fluctuations."

Operations will continue uninterrupted during this period and will not affect its current conversion process to turn natural gas into steam, he said. 

"SOBE's facility in Youngstown is dedicated to energy conversion and is not classified as an industrial facility. We are a part of the community, focused on enhancing the quality of life and economic stability in Youngstown through sustainable energy practices," Ferro said, "We invite open dialogue and are here to address any concerns or questions from our fellow citizens and businesses. Together, we can pave the way for a greener, more prosperous Youngstown."