YOUNGSTOWN State board gives green light to fix up Federal Plaza

The money represents about 15 percent of the project cost.
By JEFF ORTEGA
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
COLUMBUS -- Providing $500,000 to Youngstown to help pay for improvements at Federal Plaza would be a boost to the city's central business district, state officials say.
The State Controlling Board unanimously approved Monday the release of the money for sprucing up the plaza in the heart of Youngstown.
"These improvements are necessary to allow existing and prospective employers to expand business operations in downtown Youngstown and to create corresponding employment areas in the area," said a memo from the state development department to board members.
What's planned
City officials plan to remove a pedestrian thoroughfare at the plaza and build a new car-accessible corridor through it. City officials also plan to build new storm sewers and traffic signals and new curb cuts, according to papers filed with the state.
The $500,000 state grant represents about 15 percent of the cost of the improvements, estimated to be $3.3 million.
City officials plan to use city funds, federal and other grants to finance the remainder of the project.
Made up of six state lawmakers and a representative of the governor's office, the controlling board has final say over some larger state spending projects.