Youngstown City Council voted to allocate the rest of the city's American Rescue Plan dollars before it's end-of-year deadline. 

Hundreds of thousands will be going to the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation to improve housing, plus more money is being focused on blighted or abandoned homes around town. $80k is going to the 4th ward for pedestrian safety improvements.

21 News reported last week the city is working with 717 Credit Union, putting $ 13 million ARP dollars to create affordable housing, provide low-interest loans to homeowners, and create a fund for landlords to borrow from to repair city rental buildings.

"Having their resources to administer that program and seeing their commitment to the community is fantastic," said Councilman Mike Ray. "They want to have a stronger role in the community and they absorbed a branch here recently. It's a good partnership."

The Youngstown Fire Department will receive a new ladder truck. Up to $1.8 million will go towards a new ladder truck that will be available by the end of 2025. The department will also get 12 new sets of turnout gear outside of those ARP dollars.

"We usually go to our CDA department and we do a lease," explained Councilwoman Samantha Turner. "And it's yearly we pay on that lease and this year we have an opportunity to pay that down with American Rescue Plan dollars."

The Glenwood Avenue food co-op is getting $200k to get the program off the ground.

Councilman Ray also expressed optimism to further improve the Mahoning Avenue corridor. "We just tore down a couple of properties on Mahoning Avenue and this is just further progress to help stabilize that corridor," he told 21 News.  

"My favorite thing to see is when those dollars are going directly out into non-profit organizations to help them fill the capacity," Turner added. "Also, to help them serve more people in our community. Whatever is left over at the end of the year, we're going to help clear that balance along with some support from the fire department fund."

Youngstown Council also unanimously approved a 10-year 75% tax abatement for Penguin City Brewing Company.

Visit the City of Youngstown's website to view Wednesday's council agenda.