Mayor tells West Siders about demolition plans

Youngstown was the best per-capita, sold-out venue for Disney on Ice this year.
By NANCY TULLIS
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Of all the words delivered at a town hall meeting, demolition was the one that mattered most to West Siders.
U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan of Niles, D-17th, Mayor Jay Williams and his Cabinet members, and Chevrolet Centre officials addressed West-Side residents Tuesday at the West Side Citizens Coalition Meeting at the ITAM Post 3 on Meridian Road. The coalition includes 4th and 5th Ward residents.
The audience heard Ryan, Williams and other city officials talk of an aggressive plan to rid the city of as many vacant, run-down buildings as possible.
Mayor's commitment
Williams spoke of his commitment to improving the quality of life for city residents. The mayor said demolition is a big part of that. He wants to spend $1 million this year on demolition of dilapidated buildings downtown and in the city's neighborhoods, and financially prop up programs to help people fix their homes.
He called spending $1 million on demolition "a good start."
Ryan said that while he was home this week on break from Congress, he spoke with members of school boards and municipal leaders all trying to meet the needs at the local level with no money.
He wants to find federal matching funds to help Youngstown demolish dilapidated buildings because the demolition efforts can't keep up with the decay rate.
He said he has met with Williams to discuss city issues, especially the city's partnership with Youngstown City Schools.
"Personally, I have begun to see the city slowly coming together, and great things are starting to happen," he said. "If we don't have Washington's investment in urban centers, it is difficult to deal with local problems."
While the Bush Administration spends $1.5 billion per week in Iraq, 77 percent of the children in Youngstown schools live in poverty, Ryan said.
"We need that kind of investment here at home," Ryan said. "If Youngstown and the nation are to make a comeback, we need every child on the playing field," Ryan said. "Right now we're trying to play with less than half a team."
Chinese are educated
Ryan said 600,000 people in China graduated with engineering degrees last year, compared with 70,000 people in the United States. Half of the U.S. graduates were foreign born and will go back to their home countries, he said.
"Cities have contributed [to the federal budget] for years, and now we need help," Ryan said.
"I'm thrilled to be working with Mayor Jay Williams and for the possibilities for Youngstown," Ryan concluded. "My district goes to Akron, and people there are talking about Youngstown's new mayor and the good things going on 'over there.'"
Chevrolet Centre
Global Entertainment officials touted the Chevrolet Centre as a centerpiece for quality of life in the Mahoning Valley.
"Family shows are what people want to see, and they don't have to drive and spend a lot more money in a bigger arena," said Rick Kozuback, Global Entertainment president and chief executive officer.
He said Youngstown was the best per-capita, sold-out venue for Disney on Ice this year. They added two performances because of demand, with a 93 percent sellout rate, and 30,000 people for 10 shows.
Matt Hufnagel, center general manager, said center officials want to sell a positive experience, and want people to go home with good memories. He drew applause when he told the crowd he has moved to the area, joining Adam Tokash, corporate sales manager, who is from Boardman.
"I'm not from here, but I moved here six months ago, and I love it," Hufnagel said. "This is home to me."
tullis@vindy.com