MAHONING COUNTY Work will begin on site to boost MRDD services

MRDD expects to create 12 to 15 jobs from the new facility.
AUSTINTOWN -- Mahoning County officials will break ground Thursday for a $2 million project that will create a facility offering services to older and medically frail clients of the Mahoning County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities.
The groundbreaking at 4:30 p.m. will be at a donated building at 153 Javit Court, which will be renovated to serve 95 people, half of whom will be older than 55. It will open in spring 2005 and employ 25, while creating 12 to 15 jobs, officials said.
The cost of the building renovation will come from the MRDD's capital budget.
"We will also be asking the community to provide additional funds for furnishings, equipment and a garden. Gifts will be acknowledged on a Wall of Appreciation within the building and a Walk of Remembrance in the garden," said Roger Aiello, assistant superintendent.
"When planning began in 2001, we had a lengthy waiting list for day services for adults," Superintendent Larry Duck said. "This initiative expands our services and meets those needs."
Design for the new facility began two years ago with input from parents, staff, consumers and members of the community.
It will include a therapy pool and physical and occupational therapy facilities.
The building was donated by Gateways to Better Living. M & amp;S Builders Co. is general contractor.