WARREN Developer to add community center

The company plans to open the center by spring.
By DENISE DICK
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- A Cleveland developer plans a $3 million project to add a community center to a west side apartment complex.
Rydyl 1 bought Jamestown Village Apartments from the Solomon family, who built the development in 1964.
The Cleveland company plans to break ground on the community center before the snow falls, with hopes of a spring opening, said Dan Siegel of Rydyl 1.
The community center will include a movie theater, party rooms, day-care center, computer lab, library and new swimming pool for apartment residents.
Siegel doesn't expect to raise rents for the townhouse and garden style one- and two-bedroom units, which run from $400 to $500 monthly.
"Low interest rates are allowing us to make this large investment without raising rents," he said.
Siegel said the company looks to buy and upgrade well-maintained apartment buildings constructed in the 1960s. Rydyl operates 25 complexes in northeast Ohio.
This is the first in the Mahoning Valley.
'First-class project'
Mayor Hank Angelo announced the project Tuesday, saying, "This is a first-class project built with union employees."
Donald T. Crane, president of the Western Reserve Building and Construction Trades Council, said the group looks forward to providing skilled craftsmen for the project.
The council represents 15 construction trades and more than 5,000 workers.
Inclusion of a day-care center requires a variance and Angelo said the city is working with the company to achieve that.
Rydyl 1 hasn't requested financial assistance, but avenues such as the city's revolving loan fund would be available, said Michael Keys, community development director.
The new owners want to retain tenants, many of whom are senior citizens, as well as attract new families, seniors and young adults, Siegel said.