Planning agency moving back to city
The move will happen late next month.
By DENISE DICK
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
AUSTINTOWN -- After five years in the suburbs, the Mahoning Valley's regional planning agency is moving back to the city.
The finance/executive committee of Eastgate Regional Council of Governments voted this week to move from the agency's office on Mahoning Avenue, Austintown, to the 10th floor of the City Center One building in downtown Youngstown.
Eastgate is the regional planning agency comprised of elected officials from Mahoning and Trumbull counties.
John Getchey, Eastgate executive director, said the move is likely to happen in late November.
A key reason for the move is cost. The agency pays $13.20 per square foot in the Mahoning Avenue quarters plus utilities, Getchey said. It occupies 6,750 square feet in the building.
At City Center One, the agency will pay $11 per square foot including utilities, Getchey said. That quarters will cover about 9,200 square feet.
"It will also allow us to all be on one floor," the executive director said.
The Mahoning Avenue office covers two floors.
Other details
The City Center One building also affords a larger conference room, Getchey said.
When Eastgate moved to Austintown in 2001 after 17 years in Youngstown, agency officials cited the convenient location just off state Route 11 and the availability of free parking as reasons for the move.
Getchey said that free parking will be available for those coming to the City Center One location in a lot across the street.
"We welcome them back to downtown Youngstown," said Mayor Jay Williams. "We're pleased to have them back in the central business district."