YOUNGSTOWN Smoky Hollow renewal group incorporates, approves bylaws

Wick Neighbors Inc. wants building to start next summer.
By D.A. WILKINSON
VINDICATOR RELIGION EDITOR
YOUNGSTOWN -- The Wick Neighbors have become the Wick Neighbors Inc.
The group of churches and allied community organizations also approved bylaws that will allow it to become a nonprofit corporation in Ohio.
The group wants to turn Smoky Hollow into an urban neighborhood at an estimated cost of $250 million.
The new corporation will also allow the group to seek grants to fund the project, said the Rev. John S. Horner, the pastor of St. John's Episcopal Church.
Leaders
The Rev. Mr. Horner, who has been leading the group, was named its chairperson during the meeting Wednesday at First Presbyterian Church.
The new corporation can have up to 40 members. Mr. Horner said the new officers, members, and committee members that were also approved at the meeting were the people who have been working in those positions. That was done to expedite the search for funding and to continue planning, the minister explained.
The group is seeking about $500,000 in operating costs for three years, which would include hiring an executive director.
Members of the Wick Neighbors named 35 people to the first board. In asking people to serve, said Mr. Horner, "We had almost 100 percent acceptance. We didn't expect that."
Trustees will initially serve terms of one, two or three years.
Mr. Horner told the members, "If you are not on the board, your opportunity will come."
The trustees represent a number of institutions that will be part of and benefit from the revitalization. The bylaws have a conflict of interest clause that bars trustees from voting on matters in which they or their employer have a "direct and substantial monetary interest."
Looking ahead
Mr. Horner noted the group began discussions two years ago. Youngstown native Margaret Murphy, a consultant hired by the Wick Neighbors, said the group hopes to have a significant groundbreaking on some type of project by the summer of 2004. Mrs. Murphy was active in redevelopment projects in Cleveland.
Builders are developing prototypes and cost estimates of the homes, condominiums and apartments that will be built in Smoky Hollow, she said.
Wick Neighbors committees are also looking at the infrastructure improvements that should be made before major housing construction, she added.
wilkinson@vindy.com