DOWNTOWN ARENA Council moves to acquire parcels

A proposed zoning change could bring adult businesses closer to homes.
By ROGER G. SMITH
CITY HALL REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- City council has taken steps to obtain small pieces of land for the downtown arena project.
Council approved moves Wednesday at a special meeting to relocate two businesses near the site and acquire a few parcels near the South Avenue Bridge.
Council adopted the federal government's policy on relocation costs. The policy gives businesses being moved under eminent domain using federal money two choices. One is to take up to $10,000 to re-establish the business plus actual moving costs. The other is to take up to $20,000 in lieu of any costs.
The city is acquiring the former Goodyear building at Front and Champion streets, which sits within the arena site. There are two firms inside.
Spectrum Electronics owner Art Nicholaidas plans to take the $20,000 and move the operation into his home, said Jeffrey L. Chagnot, city development director.
John Giannios, who also is the building owner, continues mulling which offer to take, Chagnot said. Part of the Giannios Candy Co. operates in the building, he said.
The amount the city will pay for the building under eminent domain -- the government's ability to take property for a public purpose -- is tied up in court.
Council also approved acquiring five small parcels near the South Avenue Bridge from Mahoning County for $1. The parcels fall within the arena site, said Finance Director David Bozanich.
Other action
Also Wednesday:
UCouncil sent a controversial proposed zoning amendment to its legislative committee.
The move would shrink the required distance between adult-oriented businesses and places such as churches, schools, parks and homes. The new law would cut the distance to 300 feet from 500 feet.
The change is intended to make legal the activity at the New Affair Lounge on Midlothian Boulevard. The move, however, also could bring other adult-oriented businesses closer to homes and schools across the city.
The lounge has a nightclub permit. But its bikini-clad dancers put the lounge under the city's adult-oriented businesses category.
The councilman for Midlothian Boulevard, Mark S. Memmer, D-7th, said he doesn't support changing the 500-foot zoning law at all, let alone for one business.
The committee will review the city's options, he said.
UThe reason for the special meeting was to vote on whether to put several suggested charter changes on the Nov. 2 ballot. That didn't happen, however, because the legislation wasn't ready.
At least six amendments suggested by the charter review commission were lumped into two pieces of legislation. Council wants each proposed amendment separate so it can vote on them individually.
There will be a legislative committee meeting at 5:30 p.m. Monday in the council caucus room to go over all the suggested changes. A special council meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Wednesday to vote on the items.
rgsmith@vindy.com