Neighborhoods

The Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation has received over a million dollars in state funding for Mahoning County residents in need of emergency repairs on their homes. 

State Rep. Lauren McNally announced Monday that the Ohio Department of Development's Ohio Housing Trust Fund awarded $1.1 million in state funds for YNDC to provide emergency home repairs and handicapped accessibility modifications to homeowners who are at or below 50% of the area median income in Mahoning County. 

To read the full story from WFMJ, click here. 

State Rep. Lauren McNally (D-Youngstown) today announced the awarding of $1.1 million in state funds from the Ohio Department of Development’s (DEV) Ohio Housing Trust Fund (OHTF) for the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation (YNDC) to provide emergency home repairs and handicapped accessibility modifications to homeowners who are at or below 50% of Area Median Income in Mahoning County.  

“Getting our residents vibrant housing that meets their needs is a huge priority of mine at the Statehouse. Government has to play a role in incentivizing new builds and repairs, or many of our hardworking friends and neighbors won’t have the living conditions necessary to be happy and independent,” said Rep. McNally. 

To read the full story from The Ohio House of Representatives, click here. 

ORCHID: To Sonny Vaccaro, a 1962 Youngstown University graduate, for his work that led to creation of a major motion picture in which A-list actor Matt Damon plays Vaccaro. 

He became heavily involved in basketball, promotions and marketing after his graduation, eventually leading him to orchestrate a deal between Nike and then-NBA rookie Michael Jordan, revolutionizing pro sports deal making. It helped make Nike among the most recognizable and elite shoe brands worldwide. Vaccaro now lives in California with his wife Pam, a Boardman native.

ORCHID: To Covelli Enterprises for making the Ohio Department of Development’s Top 100 Major Employers in the state list for 2022. The Warren-based company is the largest franchisee of Panera Bread restaurants with an estimated 7,100 employees and ranking No. 46 on the list. The company’s big numbers are matched with a big heart as Covelli invests generously in myriad worthwhile community causes and events.

ONION: To those police officers in local communities and statewide who insist on talking on handheld cellphones while patrolling the streets. In so doing, they now are in gross violation of Ohio’s new distracted driving law outlawing any electronic device in a driver’s hand, lap or other parts of the body. We recognize these law enforcement scofflaws are in the minority, but nonetheless their flouting of a highly publicized new law sets the wrong example for civilian drivers in their paths.

ORCHID: To the Ohio General Assembly for acting swiftly and with bipartisan support to approve a new state transportation budget containing new measures to strengthen railroad safety. As Gov. Mike DeWine said last week, “We are ensuring that Ohio’s railroads follow the best practices in monitoring railroad equipment and holding them responsible for their actions.” Legislators’ rapid and unified response to the Feb. 3 East Palestine derailment stands as a welcome contrast to partisan infighting that often stalls valuable measures.

ORCHID: To longtime firefighter Joe Morell for his 45 years of committed service to the Canfield community. The Cardinal Joint Fire District Board of Directors recently honored him on his retirement. Morell contributed greatly to the district’s growth and sophistication. No doubt many others on the force and many in the Canfield community who were helped by Morell share the sentiments of fellow firefighter Josh Grossman: “It was a joy to work with you.”

ONION: Once again to Trumbull County Commissioner Niki Frenchko for playing a highly inappropriate April Fool’s Day joke on the community. On that day, the county leader posted on social media a message that many believed intimated she would be leaving her position in county government. Considering that controversy seems to follow Frenchko wherever she goes and considering that some have called seriously for her resignation, such a childish prank likely will fire up unnecessary community scorn toward Frenchko.

ORCHID: To Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley leaders and particularly all donors who played a role in the $31 million expansion to the facility’s Boardman emergency room. The new addition, which provides three times more space and ability to handle more than twice its current patient load, opens officially April 19. Topping the long list of donors is Lenny Fisher, chairman of the board of Handel’s Homemade Cream, who contributed $1 million. The phenomenal growth of the hospital over the past two decades is a testament to the trust and respect the Greater Mahoning Valley community has placed in it.

ORCHID: To the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corp. for winning a competitive grant of $1.11 million enabling the organization to make significant headway in its ongoing mission to revitalize city neighborhoods. This latest grant will enable the agency to make improvements to 373 housing units affecting 1,007 people in the city. It is the latest feather in the cap of the award-winning community development powerhouse.

To read the full story from The Vindicator, click here. 

Baseball season is in full swing (no bunt). The Guardians and Pirates have already welcomed their opening day crowds. 

I also know that a fellow Business Journal columnist is happy that another baseball season is underway as he is a huge baseball fan. Hint: Why do you think there are so many wonderful baseball pictures at the Butler Institute of American Art?

I was in my fourth year as pastor of St. Patrick Church in Youngstown when Kevin Costner came into theaters with “Field of Dreams.” This 1989 film is one of many that warms the heart each spring. Baseball movie classics always remind me of the occasions when I went to see the Indians with my dad.

As we entered Municipal Stadium, he usually remarked, “Maybe we’ll catch one today!”

Dad has been gone almost 20 years but I will never forget going to a game with Mom after he died and having a foul ball come very close. A young boy snagged it and that brought a smile to my face.

“Field of Dreams” made its way into baseball fans’ hearts with the phrase, “If you build it, they will come.”

My memory of this phrase was highlighted recently with three announcements. The first came at the end of March when the Youngstown City School District dedicated its new baseball field. Comment was made that the field is probably the first built in almost 100 years in the city.

It complements the East High School campus and will be the site of games and events in warmer weather. The fresh look of a new field is an obvious encouragement for young people interested in baseball.        

“If you build it, they will come.”

Interestingly enough, the same day that I heard the announcement about the new field, at a strip plaza (mostly empty), people were cutting the ribbon to a new restaurant. Savanna Joe’s has long been the dream of the owner. The chef/owner has been in the food and catering business over 30 years.

“Food, in the end, in our own tradition, is something holy … It’s about sharing,” he says on the restaurant website. “Can’t wait” to serve patrons some good Southern soul food!

Even more interesting is that the new restaurant joins four other spaces that have brought new life to a previously closed and shuttered and tattered part of Glenwood Avenue in the Fosterville neighborhood.

Fresh groceries fill the shelves at Glenwood Fresh Market. Urgent care and primary medical care sit in another space. Outreach help and counseling fills the remaining spots provided by Inspiring Minds Youngstown and Protestant Family Services.

How encouraging to see a nearly empty strip plaza filled!

So often it seems that such sites have many “for rent” and “for lease” signs posted. I can appreciate the business model that knows such vacancies are part of the environment. But it sure is inviting when all storefronts are open and the parking lot is full.

Across the street from the Glenwood plaza building is a very popular and recently opened spot to drink coffee and eat breakfast.

The executive director of the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corp., Ian Beniston, proudly looks at the area and hints at more development to come.

“If you build it, they will come!”                 

To read the full story from The Business Journal, click here.                                    

The most affordable cities in America are those that combine good jobs with low housing prices. These cities offer a unique combination of economic, social and cultural advantages you won’t see in other, larger cities. 

The National Association of Home Builders reported in November that US housing affordability had fallen to a ten-year low. But even with the record-high sale prices in 2022 and the equally steep mortgage rates, some American cities still have affordable housing for the average earner. It’s worthwhile to check out the cities that are most affordable if you want to enjoy a higher quality of life and move away from where you currently live. The cost of living will vary depending on the city, as well as housing costs and your budget.

There are many affordable options for those who want to move to a different city, but do not want to spend a fortune. The best cities for affordability are usually just outside major metro areas. These cities offer all of the benefits of a large city (jobs and things to do, as well as people to meet), without the high cost. For a city to make this list, it must have affordable housing, low rent, and a cost of living that is lower than the median wage.Realtor.com used economic and housing data in order to predict home price and sale growth in 100 major US metros. They then ranked the best places for people to buy an affordable house in 2023. Their methodology says that this year’s buyers can expect good deals in cities such as El Paso and Hartford, Connecticut, which have avoided the intense competition for home buyers and rapid price increases seen elsewhere in the country. In a market where the average home costs around $400,000 , the balance between price growth and home sales is a good indicator for the health of the housing market.Here are some of the top 10 affordable places (in no particular order) which you can consider.

Albuquerque # 1
Albuquerque, with its pleasant climate and low costs of living is no surprise to be one of the most affordable cities in America. It is also home of a diverse community that reflects the city’s long Spanish and Native American roots.Housing is scarce, but if you’re quick and creative, you can find an affordable apartment that fits your budget and lifestyle. Old Town Plaza, where the historic San Felipe de Neri Church is located, is lined with restaurants and art galleries that reflect this heritage.

Cincinnati # 2
Cincinnati is an excellent choice for those who want to live in a city that offers a lot of activities and attractions at a reasonable price. The city is also a favorite destination for tourists.More people are moving out of major cities as prices continue to increase. They want to live in a smaller city that has a lower cost-of-living. There are a lot of options for those who want to live somewhere affordable, but still have all the amenities a large city has to offer.

Indianapolis # 3
Indianapolis, Indiana is the perfect place to live for those who want to experience the advantages of a large city without having to break the bank. The city has low housing prices, an accessible airport and is easily accessible to the rest the country. This city offers a variety of cultural events, but also boasts a series of impressive parks and green areas that follow the White River’s footprint.There’s a great public transportation system in Indy, which includes the Pacers Bikeshare Program. It’s easier to get around than you think, especially if your home is in downtown Indy. Indianapolis is one the most affordable cities in America, with a median house price of under $200,000 as well as a cost of living below the average national rate. It also has an international airport, which makes it easy to get into and out of the city.

Fort Wayne, Indiana # 4
Fort Wayne is a great place to start a new career, open a small business, or raise a family. It has a low cost of living, and it offers quiet neighborhoods. Fort Wayne is a mid-sized metropolis in the Midwest. Residents have access to all the amenities that one would expect from a large city, such as excellent entertainment and a vibrant arts scene. Residents can also enjoy quirky events such as the yearly BuskerFest, which is devoted to street entertainers, and the bed race held annually during the Three Rivers Festival. Fort Wayne continues to be a major player in advanced manufacturing. Manufacturers like General Motors, BAE Systems and others have made major investments in the region’s economy. Fort Wayne has been undergoing a long term revitalization, with new housing options and economic developments centered around downtown and the Riverfront area. In older neighborhoods, younger residents are starting to return, wanting to live nearer downtown than in suburbs. Small shops, trendy restaurants, and breweries have also begun to follow. Fort Wayne remains a tradition-rich community. Residents are working to preserve the history of the region. Fort Wayne is home to more than 360 religious places.

Fayetteville, Arkansas # 5
Fayetteville, along with Bentonville and Rogers, has grown from a small community to become a hub of culture, commerce, and entrepreneurialism. Northwest Arkansas includes Walmart’s headquarters, Tyson Foods, and the University of Arkansas. Fayetteville is home to people from around the globe. The residents of Fayetteville are friendly. Community events are also well attended. There are dozens of nonprofits and volunteer organizations that offer a variety of ways to be involved in your community.Fayetteville, nestled in the Ozark Mountains attracts outdoor enthusiasts with its abundance state parks, green spaces, playgrounds, walking trails, and parks. The metro area is also home to a world-class performing arts center, a vibrant local food movement and live music venues.

Youngstown, Ohio # 6
Youngstown, located halfway between Pittsburgh and Cleveland. This Rust Belt town is experiencing a cultural and financial renaissance, combining rich history with the energy of a young generation.Youngstown is a typical Midwestern city. Residents are friendly, and they regularly get together to celebrate the community. Residents enjoy shopping in local Amish markets and farms. The downtown area is surrounded with farmland. Businesses are resurging in the area’s once-empty central business district, which includes restaurants, bars and galleries, while groups like the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation work to revitalize the urban neighborhoods. The region’s strong work ethic is helping the revival to happen.

To read the full story from Nomad Lawyer, click here. 

Leaders of charitable foundations in the Mahoning Valley see a bright future for philanthropy in the area as they not only contribute money to worthwhile causes and organizations, but also work to bring groups and people together to grow and improve the area. 

“The Wean Foundation serves as a connector to leverage resources, create partnerships and build capacity as well as a grantmaker,” Jennifer Roller, president of the 74-year-old organization, said. “Inasmuch as we encourage our nonprofit partners to collaborate and work together, we seek to work with nonprofits, business, government and funders — sometimes following and other times leading — to ensure the community’s well-being.”

Casey Krell, director of donor services and supporting organizations at the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley, said: “Philanthropy provides the opportunity to use our resources and capacity to pull people together to start imagining a community and developing a vision for what we want for our community and then begin to talk about what that change looks like.”
Lynnette Forde, president of the Youngstown Foundation, said: “Philanthropy partners with government and nonprofit institutions and corporations to ensure that folks can get an education and have jobs and get support for the goal of better health and impact their quality of life.”

Paul McFadden, president of the Youngstown State University Foundation, said the area “has a rich tradition and history of philanthropy. Volney Rogers gifted Mill Creek Park, Reuben McMillan Library is an original Carnegie Library, YMCA Camp Fitch, the Canfield Fairgrounds and the YSU campus are dotted with philanthropically-funded buildings. I see signs (that) this tradition will not only continue, but grow in the future as past philanthropists will encourage future philanthropists.”

YSU FOUNDATION
The YSU Foundation received a record $24.1 million in financial support in 2022, including $5 million to Kohli Hall, home of YSU’s Excellence Training Center, $1.5 million from Richard and Susan Sokolov to name the Sokolov Honors College and $600,000 from the annual fall appeal. The foundation is an independent organization that supports YSU student scholarships, student development and career opportunities, McFadden said. The foundation’s endowment started in 1966 with $13.5 million and exceeded $300 million in 2021. It is the sixth largest public university foundation in the state and the largest in northeast Ohio, McFadden said. It had four employees in 2012 and now has 20, he said. The foundation’s goal this year is to raise the $20 million needed to replace the Kilcawley Student Center, McFadden said.

The Bruce Zoldan family made the lead $5 million gift to name it the Zoldan Family Student Center Campaign. Overall, $7.5 million has been raised toward the campaign goal.
Another goal for this year is the acquisition of endowed scholarships, McFadden said. “Scholarships directly impact students by providing access to their education while supporting YSU through the tuition those scholarships pay to YSU,” he said. The foundation’s future goals tie to its increased staff and the use of research tools and data analytics as it allows it to “identify and connect with potential investors” at a rapid rate, McFadden said. “This has been especially vital in reaching out to donor prospects who do not reside in the Youngstown area,” he said. “The YSU Foundation is positioned to acquire significantly more philanthropy to bring back revenue to impact our university and our region.”

WEAN FOUNDATION
The Wean Foundation accomplished a lot in 2022, Roller said, including the launch of the Strategic Partners Fellowship with Trumbull Neighborhood Parntnership and the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corp. with a long-term goal to promote leadership development and racial equity in the nonprofit sector.

To read the full story from The Vindicator, click here. 

Monday, April 17, 2023. 

On April 14, the First National Bank Community Foundation awarded YNDC with a $15,000 grant to support YNDC's housing programs including housing counseling and emergency repair.

The Housing Counseling Program empowers low- to moderate-income residents to identify and overcome barriers to homeownership, including inadequate savings, income, credit history, and understanding of the home buying process, and prepare them for future homeownership; and to provide existing low- to moderate-income homeowners with resources to maximize their limited incomes and minimize repair costs so that they can avoid foreclosure and improve their living conditions. The emergency home repair program assists low-income homeowners with emergencies such as furnace and plumbing repairs at no cost.

Many thanks to the First National Bank Community Foundation for their continued support!

Tuesday, April 18, 2023. 

On April 17, Direction Home of Eastern Ohio awarded YNDC with $91,609 for home maintenance.

These funds will be used for critical home repairs including: furnaces, hot water tanks, and ramps.

Many thanks to Direction Home for the continued support!

Sara Palowitz is the Housing Program Coordinator for the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation. Sara collaborates with a team of professional staff to implement YNDC's Essential Repair program.

Contact Sara at spalowitz@yndc.org

Wednesday, April 19, 2023. 

Janet has lived in her home since 2006. 

Located in a tight knit neighborhood where everyone knows each other, she says, “our neighborhood is the greatest neighborhood.” By replacing Janet's roof, YNDC eliminated severe leaks that were causing damage throughout her home and prevented further deterioration, allowing Janet and her disabled husband to remain in the neighborhood where they have made their home for the past 17 years. Janet is her husband's caregiver and is grateful to no longer have to worry about leaks every time it rains.