Ohio Rehabilitation office considers relocation

By DENISE DICK
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- Another state office is looking at space possibly outside the city to relocate.
The Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission's Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation, on Tod Avenue Northwest, is looking at possible other locations, said Mark Protsman, the commission's team leader for administrative support. One issue, Protsman said, is access to a bus route.
He hasn't visited prospective sites, but Protsman said four locations, all along U.S. Route 422, have been proposed. One, the Valley Building, is in the city. The remaining three -- Royal Executive Center, Village Center Plaza and office space across from Alberini's Restaurant -- all are in Niles. Western Reserve Transit Authority operates a bus route along Route 422. When the bureau went into the Tod Avenue location, it was next to St. Joseph Health Center, which made for a good fit with what the bureau offered. The hospital has since moved to another location.
The bureau employs 11 people and aims to offer services to help people with physical, mental or emotional disabilities get jobs.
"My office is aware of this. We've notified the administration and we're developing other sites we can show them in the city," said Michael Keys, city community development director.
Protsman said a move could happen by September.
Earlier this year, the city learned that the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation planned to close its Market Street office and move its 74 employees to Youngstown within several months. That plan is part of the state's consolidation of offices aimed at saving money.
Ohio Bureau of Employment Services previously closed its Warren office.