WARREN Idea: Promote downtown businesses

Warren must look 10 to 15 years ahead for a total revitalization effort to work, the head of WRAP says.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- Downtown businesses should establish an association to market the central business district, the head of the city's redevelopment effort said today.
Michael Keys, executive director of the Warren Redevelopment and Planning Corp., advanced the idea during a meeting with business owners and city lawmakers.
Keys said there is a need to help promote businesses. As in other cities, the marketing effort could be funded through donations or a tax levy.
The association that would also serve as a lobbying force would meet monthly to discuss common business goals. Today's meeting provided an update of WRAP's efforts to revitalize the downtown.
2 phases: Keys explained the first phase of the $5 million Riverwalk Project along the Mahoning River is under way with the first $1.4 million being used to install utilities and construct walkways, parking areas and an amphitheater.
The second and more costly phase calls for the restoration of the outside of the Kinsman House, reconstruction of its carriage house barn and upgrading the Land Title House.
The outdoor theater will be used for special events because merchants have complained streets are blocked off when events are staged on Courthouse Square, Keys said.
The theater should have its grand opening sometime in September.
Keys said one problem is the city can't charge for events because the theater will be built on city property.
Grants sought: Keys said WRAP has applied for four grants from the state: Packard Music Hall renovation, $9 million; Packard Museum addition, $2 million; Riverwalk, for which the city has already received $1.3 million of the total project; and Robins Theater renovation, $7 million.
Keys said the city is looking to form a nonprofit board to oversee promotion, booking and fund-raising. Because of the state's tight capital budget that Gov. Bob Taft will make public after the November election, not all the projects will be funded this year. Keys said the city can't look at the immediate gratification, but rather 10 to 15 years ahead.
He noted Mayor Hank Angelo wants him to concentrate on the remodeling of Packard Musical Hall because it's currently supported by the city's general fund.