City receives state funds to upgrade storm sewers

Niles lawmakers took final action to increase fines for delinquent taxpayers.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
NILES -- The city has received a $347,000 state grant to upgrade storm sewers on a portion of the east side.
Mayor Ralph Infante informed city council Wednesday of the awarding of the grant by the Ohio Public Works Commission.
Mark Hess, city engineer, said the city has allocated the balance of the total $503,585 project; construction will start in August and take six months to complete.
The project calls for larger storm sewers -- up to 48 inches -- installed on portions of Taft, Roosevelt and Carnegie avenues. Hess said the area was identified as experiencing basement flooding during heavy thunderstorms.
Other business
In other business, lawmakers approved legislation increasing the penalty from $15 to $50 for those with earned income who do not file a city income tax return.
The city has more than 600 people who haven't filed from tax year 2003 and more than 1,200 from 2004.
Earlier this month, council adopted a limited amnesty program for those who haven't paid the city income tax.
Those who pay or make arrangements for a payment plan by April 30 will receive a 50-percent reduction in interest and penalties. After April 30, they are required to pay 100 percent of the interest and fines.
Also during the meeting, council passed a resolution supporting the efforts to get a low-cost senior citizens complex built at North Arlington Avenue and West Church Street.
At its last meeting, council changed the zoning of the 1.9 acres to allow construction of a $5.5 million building on the site of the former East Junior High School.
Common Wealth Inc. of Youngstown, a nonprofit housing group, is applying to the state's Affordable Housing Tax Credit Program to fund 80 percent of the project.
It is a joint effort by Common Wealth and Niles Church for Housing. They operate Central Park Apartments, senior housing in Niles.
Council also authorized the service director to advertise for bids for this year's resurfacing program.
Hess explained the city has about $250,000 set aside for repaving. He said the city has a list of 25 streets being reviewed, but it will be weeks before the final list is prepared.
yovich@vindy.com