DEVELOPMENT Chiropractor plans medical strip mall

The Girard plaza will be occupied by seven to 10 businesses, the owner says.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
GIRARD -- A city chiropractor is making plans to develop a strip mall and professional building along U.S. Route 422, just north of Avon Oaks.
Dr. Michael Martuccio said Wednesday that the development will cost more than $2 million and construction will begin in about a year.
Some of the approximate three acres across from the Creekside Golf Dome along Route 422, or North State Street, is zoned residential. Martuccio is in the process of getting it rezoned to commercial.
Martuccio, a Howland native who has been practicing here for 41/2 years, said a 3,000-square-foot professional building will be constructed directly north of his office.
His office will be moved to another location and the vacated space will make room for 19 to 21 parking spaces.
The $300,000 to $400,000 building will house Martuccio's office, a physical therapist, a medical doctor, a massotherapist, an X-ray facility and a room for diagnostic testing.
The former Avon Inn will be razed and Martuccio's home in back of the former tavern will be moved. They are located at State and Glendale Avenue.
Rest of plan
The strip plaza, Martuccio explained, will be located on the site of his moved house. The demolished tavern will make way for 117 parking spaces.
He pointed out that the peaked-roof plaza will contain seven to 10 businesses and cost an estimated $2 million.
Mayor James J. Melfi termed the project "a turning point in development for the city."
The fact that the Martuccio family has roots in Girard and is not seeking any city funds is satisfying, the mayor said.
"Girard doesn't have a lot of development like this," Melfi said, noting the architecture and landscaping will enhance the neighborhood.
yovich@vindy.com