SitemapOhio Governor Mike DeWine announced Friday that more than $9 million in grants would go toward the creation of workforce housing in five counties.
"It's really a big deal and you know, it just underscores the momentum that we're seeing in the mahoning valley," Nico Morgione, Director of Government Affairs with the Youngstown Warren Regional Chamber, said. "We're continuing to see economic development wins with the likes of Ultium Cells, Kimberly Clark, a Vallourec expansion, the Youngstown Innovation Hub for Aerospace and Defense," he said.
Among those awarded, Youngstown received $2.5 million and Warren, $850,000.
Youngstown City Spokesman Andy Resnick said in a statement, "This is another example of community partners coming together to continue to grow our city. This specific grant leverages the investment being made in the development with funds that can be utilized for beautification efforts and infrastructure improvements that makes the project more affordable and attractive."
"Youngstown's going to be able to build about 220 homes with these funds with a whole slew of other things. Youngstown is looking more at the infill housing aspect of it and the city of Warren is really focused on their Peninsula Project," Morgione said.
A press release from Governor DeWine and the Ohio Department of Development reads in part:
"The City of Youngstown (Mahoning County) will receive a $2.5 million grant to support the development of up to 220 workforce housing units through an infill housing initiative. Funding will be used to improve roads, sidewalks, lighting, and other public infrastructure, while also connecting new homes to existing water and sewer systems. Many of the homes will be built on vacant lots owned by the city and the Mahoning County Land Bank, helping transform underutilized properties into new residential opportunities. Homebuyers will receive a 100 percent, 15-year property tax abatement and be eligible for down-payment assistance through the city's At Home program. The project is a collaboration between Youngstown, the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation, Mercy Health Youngstown, and other community partners.
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