Wick Neighbors director gives update of project

There is still no set date for construction to begin, the executive director said.
By SEAN BARRON
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
YOUNGSTOWN -- If pre-development design work goes smoothly and follows a projected timetable, the next major step toward redeveloping the Wick District-Smoky Hollow area could get under way by late November or early December.
That was a key point made by Margaret Murphy in her presentation at a luncheon at the Youngstown Club on Wednesday that was hosted by the Rotary Club of Youngstown. Murphy, executive director of Wick Neighbors Inc., noted that studies and other components of the development plan are being looked at by Zaremba Inc. of Cleveland.
Earlier this summer, the nonprofit Wick Neighbors group hired the firm to conduct pre-development work for the proposed $250 million plan, which is designed to redevelop roughly 66 acres, including Smoky Hollow. The plan calls for the land bounded by Wick, Andrews, Madison and Rayen avenues to have townhouses, single-family homes, a park, condominiums and office, retail and commercial space.
Zaremba is taking into account a market analysis as well as any adjustments the plan may need, Murphy said. Also being considered by the firm is financing, a review of Wick Neighbors' design standards and how many total units can be built on the property, she continued.
After such work is completed, Murphy noted, a final development agreement between the parties could kick in. It's too soon to know when construction will get started, Murphy said.
Background
Wick Neighbors got started in September 2003 as a "bottoms-up, grass-roots corporation," and also works with the Youngstown 2010 plan, Murphy said. Murphy added that she hopes Wick Neighbors will be a model for additional entities to improve other neighborhoods in the city.
Wick Neighbors includes area businesses, churches and residents as well as Youngstown State University, the Youngstown school district, the city, those in the building trades and the Home Builders/Remodelers Association of the Mahoning Valley.
Murphy praised Zaremba for its expertise in urban affairs, adding she anticipates a strong partnership.
"Zaremba is a highly qualified developer who has a full range of experience in urban neighborhoods," Murphy said. "They understand the challenges and market financing, and come fully experienced on how to approach this project."
Wick Neighbors is having a series of workshops pertaining to neighborhood revitalization and other related topics. The next session is set for 7 to 9 p.m. Sept. 27 at the Butler Institute of American Art, 524 Wick Ave. A pair of speakers will discuss the city's and public's role in neighborhood reinvestment.