COLUMBUS State board OKs YSU land purchase

The board also approved requests for KSU and two local school districts.
By MICHELE C. HLADIK
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
COLUMBUS -- Youngstown State University can move ahead on plans to buy three parcels near the new student apartments in Smoky Hollow.
Members of the State Controlling Board approved YSU's request for $163,000 to buy the property, after discussion as to the number of property appraisals submitted with the requests and the age of the appraisals.
Each of three requests included only one appraisal, and the appraisal for the property at Audubon and Emerald streets was more than a year old, which raised questions during the board meeting.
James Mineo, who works in land acquisition for YSU, said the appraisal was that old because it took that long for negotiations.
He also said he was told only one appraisal was needed because the value of the Audubon/Emerald property and the request to buy it was less than $100,000.
YSU plans to buy the property, which housed the Tip Top Bar and Restaurant, for $97,000 from Arcangelo Peluso. The property is expected to be a parking area for the 400 student apartment units.
Other requests OK'd
The controlling board also approved requests for $24,000 to buy real estate at 529 Walnut St. from William G. Dorbish and $42,000 to buy land at 94 Wick Oval from the YSU Foundation. Both properties would be used for additional student apartments if needed.
In other business, the board also approved:
USchool Facilities Commission requests to release $1.1 million for McDonald School District and $450,983 for Struthers School District, as part of the Classroom Facilities Assistance Program, which funds construction and renovation of school buildings.
UOhio Department of Natural Resources requests to release $577,000 to West Branch State Park to complete the second phase of campground improvements at the park.