Council decides not to OK legislation

The project's key component is a $30 million YSU business college building.
By DAVID SKOLNICK
CITY HALL REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- City council members say they won't approve legislation today to move ahead with a plan to link Youngstown State University to downtown.
But that doesn't spell the end of the project.
Questions about the proposal led council to give first readings on April 19 to four pieces of legislation related to a project, known as the Lincoln-Rayen-Wood development district.
Council can approve legislation either through an emergency vote, which requires approval from at least six of its seven members, or after three readings at three separate meetings. After three readings, a simple majority vote is needed to adopt legislation.
A majority of Youngstown council legislation is approved by emergency vote.
Council held a public hearing on the proposal Tuesday. Eleven people -- most of them either YSU employees or students -- spoke in favor of the project at the hearing, and five others -- primarily those who have businesses in that area -- voiced opposition to the plan.
About the project
The project takes in 38 acres of land bounded roughly by Commerce Street as well as Lincoln, Fifth and Wick avenues.
The city wants to turn the area into a development district, something recommended to them last month by the city's planning commission.
The development district designation would give the city the power of eminent domain to forcibly take property needed for this project if owners don't agree to sell.
The proposals to be considered tonight by council include funding an extension of Hazel Street, permitting the city to negotiate agreements with landowners in the area, enter into professional service contracts and to sign a development agreement with YSU.
The cornerstone of the project is a proposed $30 million new YSU College of Business Administration on Phelps Street.
Where they stand
Councilwoman Carol Rimedio-Righetti, D-4th, says the idea of redeveloping that area is good, but the implementation is poor. She plans to vote against the plan after the legislation related to it receives third readings. That is expected to occur at council's June 7 meeting.
Councilman Artis Gillam Sr., D-1st, supports the project, but said he would not vote today to approve the legislation via emergency.
"I want to talk to the people who have their businesses up there," he said.
Rimedio-Righetti, Gillam and Councilman Mark Memmer, D-7th, attended Tuesday's public hearing.
Memmer said it is his policy not to discuss how he'll vote beforehand, but spoke highly of the project.
Also, members of council say Councilman Rufus Hudson, D-2nd, opposes the plan. Hudson couldn't be reached Tuesday to comment on the project.
While concerned about the impact the project could have on businesses in the area, Councilman Richard Atkinson, R-3rd, said he supports the plan.
Councilmen Michael Rapovy, D-5th, and Paul Pancoe, D-6th, couldn't be reached Tuesday to comment on this issue.
Also Tuesday, the planning commission unanimously approved recommending to council that the Wick District-Smoky Hollow area be designated as a development district area.
Council needs to schedule a public hearing on this proposal and then act on the commission's recommendation.
The plan, organized by Wick Neighbors Inc., calls for a $250 million redevelopment of 66 acres bounded by Wick, Andrews, Rayen and Madison avenues.
skolnick@vindy.com