University continues its push for expansion of Hazel Street

By HAROLD GWIN
VINDICATOR EDUCATION WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- The president of Youngstown State University said YSU already has a strong link to the city's downtown commercial district, and the proposed Lincoln-Rayen-Wood redevelopment project will only strengthen that bond.
The university has a major role in that project, looking to expand part of its campus a block south toward the downtown area with a new Williamson College of Business Administration building on the south side of Rayen Avenue.
That would put 1,300 people -- faculty, staff and students -- a block closer to the city's business district on almost a daily basis, said Dr. David C. Sweet, YSU president. The $30 million project is targeted for a 2008 completion to coincide with the university's centennial celebration.
Proposed plan
YSU has also proposed extending Hazel Street, which runs north from downtown toward the campus but stops at Wood Street.
The university's plan calls for the street to be extended to Lincoln Avenue, creating a gateway to and from campus that leads downtown.
Those efforts can only improve the link the university has with downtown, Sweet said, pointing out that YSU's Dana School of Music has committed to holding performances at the new Eleanor Beecher Flad Pavilion on West Federal Street, making a significant commitment to the downtown area.
The school held a showcase concert there when the pavilion opened earlier this year.
Sweet said that YSU has secured a joint use agreement with the city for use of facilities at the new Chevrolet Centre on Front Street, another strong connection to downtown. The arrangements will allow the university to use the center six times a year at discount prices for the next 20 years and draw people from campus into downtown.
Considerations
There is a misconception that the university is after more land than is needed for the Hazel Street extension and the new business school, but that's not true, Sweet said.
Every effort has been made to assure other property owners in the area that the university has no designs on their land or buildings, he said, adding that he has sent personal letters to those property owners relating that fact.
Most of those whose properties are in the YSU project areas have indicated a willingness to sell, he said, noting that the university has had some discussions with them.
Only one, Joseph Grenga, whose property on Rayen Avenue stands in the way of the proposed Hazel Street route, has openly opposed selling property for the project, Sweet said.
Some property owners have expressed concern that the 38-acre redevelopment plan calls for the entire area to be rezoned as institutional.
That was part of the original plan, but YSU doesn't support that, Sweet said, explaining that a mixed use zoning that allows the development or expansion of retail businesses, student housing and other uses is most desired.
The university believes the project will be beneficial to the entire community and enhance all of the properties in the redevelopment area, he said.
gwin@vindy.com