JFS PLAN Patton: Move of office would have serious impact

Waterlines will be replaced on Atkinson Avenue and Glacier Heights Road.
YOUNGSTOWN -- State Rep. Sylvester Patton wants city officials to give serious thought to the possible consequences of a proposal to move the Mahoning County Department of Job and Family Services from Garland Plaza to downtown's former Phar-Mor Centre.
Patton, of Youngstown, D-60th, told city council Wednesday that businesses in McGuffey Mall and other locations near Garland Plaza may suffer significantly if they lose patronage from about 250 JFS workers and hundreds of clients of the department.
A feasibility, cost-analysis and impact study should be undertaken concerning the proposed move, Patton said. "This is a big undertaking that could have lasting effects. I think we should cross all the t's and dot all the i's before we support or lead such a move," Patton told council.
No comments were made by members of council or the city administration on the issue after Patton spoke.
Waterline work
Council also approved waterline replacement projects on Atkinson Avenue from Liberty Road to Lansdowne Boulevard and on Glacier Heights Road from Glacierview Drive to McCollum Road.
The full amount of the $280,000 Atkinson Avenue project will be paid for by a 20-year loan from the Ohio Water Development Authority. The Glacier Heights project will cost $56,000 and will be paid for by the water department's 2004 budget without borrowing.
Water Commissioner Charles Sammarone said the work is part of the department's ongoing program of gradual replacement of water lines, with priority given to those with a history of many water main breaks.
Council decided to have two special meetings over the summer after its June 16 meeting, on July 21 and Aug. 18. Council meetings are at 5:30 p.m. unless otherwise announced.
Caire Maluso, Federal Plaza director, announced that the first of a series of weekly "Sounds of Summer" outdoor parties will be from 8 p.m. to midnight Friday at Anthony's-on-the River, featuring The House Band.