TRUMBULL COUNTY Senior housing planned on site of Girard school

The Trumbull Metropolitan Housing Authority will handle the demolition, the mayor said.
GIRARD -- The old North Avenue Elementary School will be demolished to clear the land for senior citizen housing.
Demolition of the 100-year-old building will take place this spring, Mayor James Melfi said Monday during council's regular meeting.
"This is great project because it helps us get rid of an eyesore and it makes it possible to build something we need, senior housing," the mayor said.
Melfi said he views the structure, which hasn't been occupied for about 30 years, as a health and safety hazard. The building is owned by Dr. Chander Kohli, a neurosurgeon and Youngstown State University trustee.
The Trumbull Metropolitan Housing Authority will handle the demolition, Melfi said.
"We have a year-and-a-half waiting list for senior citizens to get in the high rise we now have," Melfi said. "I feel so bad because some seniors will call me wanting help because they think I have pull, but there is nothing I can do. I am hoping this new building will help."
The plan
TMHA wants to build a 24- to 30-unit apartment building on a site between North Avenue and Washington Street on the city's north side. In a letter the mayor sent to council members, he said the units will resemble condos and not a high-rise.
"The units are very attractive," the mayor said.
He noted that the city and TMHA are hoping to get a Housing and Urban Development Grant for the project.
"The grant is a competitive nationwide process, so our local support is extremely critical," said the mayor, noting that the city must show strong support for the project.
Council voiced support for the project and agreed that the senior housing units are needed.
Other business
In other matters, council passed a first reading to enter into an agreement with the Trumbull County commissioners for animal control. The city would pay the county $6,214.14 per year. The ordinance has to pass three readings to take effect.
The mayor cautioned council members that there is a possibility the county may not be able to offer the service.
"There is a chance the city of Niles will not take part in this service, and if that happens the county may not go forward with the plan," the mayor said.
Girard High School students taking part in Civics Day attended the meeting. Each was paired with an elected or appointed official. The students will host Civics Day next Thursday at the high school.
"This week they learn what council does, and next week they will have to do it," said Reynald Paolone, council president.
Though some of the students kept looking at the clock during the 90-minute meeting, Dave Johnson, a high school junior, said he found it "entertaining."
"I am very interested in politics, so I loved it," said Johnson, a member of the school's debate team. .