WARREN Council retakes $100,000 for road

The engineering director said the project isn't in a wetland.
By DENISE DICK
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- Heeding residents' objections, city council removed $100,000 that was to be allocated for a development off North Road and added it to street resurfacing.
The $100,000 was part of the city's $1.78 million Community Development Block Grant money. It had been allocated for a 1,000-foot road to connect a proposed development to North Road. The road would also have become part of the North Road connector project planned in the next several years.
City officials have said the developer, which they won't identify until the company makes an announcement, plans a 140,000-square-foot retail establishment in the area. A 300-unit upscale apartment complex and gas station also were planned.
At a council meeting Wednesday, Mayor Hank Angelo said the retail establishment would mean 200 jobs for the city.
Opposition
Several city residents opposed the plan.
"You say it's 200 jobs, but you don't mention that it's 200 jobs that are less than 40 hours a week with no benefits and are minimum wage," said Maridee Costanzo, an attorney who lives on the road.
She cited damage to the wetland in the area as a concern and said those opposed would file a lawsuit if the project went forward.
Jack Mullen, also a North Road resident, also opposes the connector plan.
"The citizens don't want more new roads in an attempt to concrete over everything in sight," he said.
David J. Robison, director of engineering, planning and building, read from a letter from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Pittsburgh that said the project isn't in a wetland.
He said the $100,000 for the road to the development is separate from the North Road connector project, which remains several years and many steps away.
Councilman Daniel E. Polivka, D-at large, then amended the ordinance, moving the money from the project into street resurfacing.
"I cannot support giving $100,000 to one of the biggest developers in the United States," he said. "If they want the project, they'll make it happen."
If the project were in a depressed area of the city, it could be different, Polivka said.
"That's one of the busiest roads in all of Trumbull County and that will sell itself," he said.
All of the council members approved the amended legislation.
Councilman Robert A. Marchese, D-at large, said using CDBG money for the North Road project didn't "feel right."
Councilman Brendan Keating, D-5th, said it's like using money for the city for someone else's road. He also pointed to additional stress on the police and fire departments.
Robison said the plan has been in the works for about 18 months and no council members questioned it until Tuesday.
"Representing you, I have led this development company on," he said. "Now at the 11th hour, we've backed out."
Angelo said council in 2000 passed a resolution hiring a company to do engineering on the project for $300,000.
"What does council suggest I do?" he asked.
Council members didn't address the issue.
After the meeting, Costanzo said she's satisfied with council's decision.
"We'll keep up the fight as long as I live, as I draw breath and I own my home," she said.
dick@vindy.com