YOUNGSTOWN Wick group to become nonprofit corporation

A redevelopment group is planning its organization.
By D.A. WILKINSON
VINDICATOR RELIGION EDITOR
YOUNGSTOWN -- The Wick Neighbors are in the process of becoming Wick Neighbors Inc.
The churches and cultural institutions that compose the Wick Neighbors met Thursday at First Presbyterian Church to look at plans to become a nonprofit corporation.
The Wick Neighbors want to revitalize Smoky Hollow into a residential community with more than 500 new homes, apartments and condominiums, and have already approved detailed plans for the construction.
The Rev. John Horner of St. John's Episcopal Church, who is leading the Wick Neighbors, likened the situation to "building the airplane while we're flying the airplane."
The Rev. Mr. Horner said he expects the bylaws for the nonprofit corporation to be approved at the June meeting.
40-member board
The draft proposal calls for up to a 40-member board of trustees or directors. Mr. Horner said the board will focus on setting policy.
The board will consist of representatives of the institutions along Wick Avenue, residents of Smoky Hollow, and financial, social service, real estate, and similar institutions that are not located in the area.
Smoky Hollow is bordered by Wick, Rayen and Andrews avenues and the Madison Avenue Expressway.
A nominating committee was appointed.
The trustees of Youngstown State University are examining the proposed bylaws. YSU owns much of the land in Smoky Hollow. Mr. Horner said the review is needed because at some point, YSU may transfer some of the land it owns to Wick Neighbors Inc.
The proposal also calls for an executive committee of up to 11 members, which will direct the staff.
The new corporation would hire an executive director with experience in such projects. The Wick Neighbors believe their plan will help revitalize the downtown.
Cost estimates
Costs for the executive director, a support staff and office are expected to be about $175,000 a year.
The estimated cost of the project is $250 million. Mr. Horner said about $500,000 is needed to get the project moving.
The Wick Neighbors estimate they can raise $300,000 of that amount from foundations. An additional $100,000 would be raised from corporations. Other funds would come from the churches and cultural institutions along Wick Avenue, and area businesses, banks and utilities.
A marketing committee is also considering designs for a logo to help identify Wick Avenue and Smoky Hollow.
Jeanne Gaetano of the marketing committee said even Smoky Hollow residents had debated whether the correct spelling was "Smoky" or "Smokey."
Mr. Horner said promotional materials will probably mention Wick Avenue and use the traditional spelling -- "Smoky."
wilkinson@vindy.com