City asks for grant for seniors

Local support for the project is important, the mayor said.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
GIRARD -- City and Trumbull Metropolitan Housing Authority officials are hoping the wish list they put in the mail today will bring them a great gift in December: a new senior citizen apartment complex.
Mayor James Melfi and Don Emerson, executive director of TMHA, said a grant application asking the federal Housing and Urban Development department for money to build senior housing in the city is being mailed today.
The grant is for about $4 million and officials are hoping for notification in about six months, Melfi said.
"We are really hoping for some good news," the mayor said.
Both Emerson and Tony Perrone, who is the project manager, said they believe they have a good chance of receiving the grant.
"I think we have a good shot," Emerson said. "There is a definite need for additional senior housing."
The grant is a competitive nationwide process, and the mayor believes local support is extremely critical. "We have to show that this is something we want and need," Melfi said.
He noted that in March, council voiced support for the project.
Planning ahead
If the grant is approved, the new apartment complex would be built on Washington Avenue. The land is being donated by Dr. Chander Kohli, a neurosurgeon and Youngstown State University trustee, Emerson said.
Kohli could not be reached.
"Dr. Kohli stepped up to the plate because he recognized the need for senior citizen housing," Emerson said. "We are getting calls all the time from people who want me to get them in a place, and I would if I had a place."
Melfi said that there is an 18-month waiting list for senior citizens to get in the current high rise housing complex.
The new complex will house 40 one-bedroom apartments, Emerson said.
sinkovich@vindy.com