Boardman hopes to curb flooding

BOARDMAN — Officials want to use a federal grant, combined with township and Mahoning County funds, to buy property on Mathews Road in an effort to curb flooding.

Trustees at a meeting tonight authorized the allocation of $10,000 in next year’s budget to buy six parcels, all owned by the same couple, and demolish the house and detached garage there.

Darren Crivelli, zoning inspector, said the township is applying for a federal Community Development Block Grant, a program that funds projects in low-to-moderate-income areas.

The township and county each would kick in $6,000 to total a 10 percent match for the $120,000 grant, he said. The additional $4,000 from the 2007 township budget would cover the costs of demolishing the two buildings.

The house is at 1322 Mathews Road, with the remaining parcels surrounding it. All of the property is owned by Angel and Olga Criado, Mahoning County property records show.

The house has been plagued with flooding problems, Crivelli said.

“It’s my recommendation that if we are able to acquire the property, we demolish the house and detached garage,” he said.

The land then would be graded and grass planted and belong to the township. Having the property vacant would decrease flooding in that area, officials said.