LIBERTY 150-acre vision: Ungaro plans industrial park

Liberty would buy the property, make improvements and resell it to businesses to create the industrial park.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
LIBERTY -- Township Administrator Patrick J. Ungaro is proposing creation of an industrial park in the southern portion of the township.
Ungaro said the park would be designed for light industry and take advantage of the state Route 711 connector that will link Interstate 680 in Youngstown with Interstate 80 and state Route 11.
Ungaro, the former Youngstown mayor who took over as township administrator two weeks ago, was hired in part because of his knowledge of economic development.
Idea
The 150-acre park would be bounded by Belmont Avenue to the east, Trumbull Avenue to the north, Gypsy Lane or Youngstown city limits south and Girard city limits west.
"It's property that isn't perceived as good property," said Ungaro. What makes the property ripe for development, Ungaro explained, is that the Route 711 connector will include an interchange at Gypsy.
The connector is scheduled for completion in 2006, according to the Eastgate Regional Council of Governments.
"I think it's doable," Ungaro said. "I want to start moving."
Ungaro explained that he has already discussed the proposal with some Realtors and intends to hire an appraiser to determine what the land is worth and determine who owns it, so they can be approached.
Ungaro's plan is for the township to purchase the land, improve it with water and sewer service and then resell it to companies, such as distribution centers, that can take advantage of the transportation system enhanced with the connector and Gypsy interchange.
"It's not going to be super-expensive," Ungaro said of the land, noting that some will be obtained by paying back taxes and through eminent domain. Ungaro said he believes there are no environmental issues with the acreage because of the lack of heavy industry on it.
Economics
Grants and low- to no-interest loans to improve the land, Ungaro explained, are available through the Ohio Department of Development.
Ungaro said he realizes, however, that state funds are more likely to be approved if the project has a regional aspect. Ungaro said he wants to see the park eventually expanded into Youngstown, including its brownfields along the Mahoning River, and Girard.
Youngstown has about 200 acres adjacent to the Liberty site that can be developed, Ungaro asserted.
Girard Mayor James J. Melfi said there are about 100 acres in the city that could be developed.
Youngstown Mayor George McKelvey and his water commissioner, Charles Sammarone, both favor the concept of expanding the industrial park to Youngstown, Ungaro said.
Melfi said he is interested in pursuing Ungaro's proposal.
Melfi said Girard would have to come up with "free money," such as funding from state Issue 2 or grants, because of the city's financial problems.
Even if Girard can't take part in the industrial park, Melfi said he would still be interested because Girard residents would be eligible for jobs that the park would create.
Ungaro foresees the eventual creation of a joint economic development district, where the communities involved can share tax revenue from the park.
Overall plan
Ungaro explained that the creation of the park is part of the overall program to enhance the Belmont corridor.
This year, sidewalks will be constructed from Gypsy north to Church Hill Park near Church Hill-Hubbard Road (state Route 304).
The work -- 10,500 feet of sidewalks -- will be done with a $394,000 grant the township received from the Ohio Department of Transportation.
Previously, there were also plans to construct 14 bus stops along Belmont, but that project was halted after a $72,850 state grant wasn't awarded to Liberty.