Youngstown water meetings in townships

YOUNGSTOWN — Youngstown officials will hold public forums next month in communities that purchase water from the city to educate them about an economic development plan that involves the city’s water.

Mayor Jay Williams and some city council members said today at a council finance committee meeting that they want to clear up the misconception that they are interested in annexing Austintown and Boardman.

“We hope to quell the myths, innuendo and accusations,” Williams said about the forums. “Annexation was never our goal. We need to stop the fear-mongering and the misinformation.”

The city is expected to receive the results of a study of its water system by mid-May. The study will advise the city how its water distribution system could be a benefit in the formation of Joint Economic Development Districts with townships and Joint Economic Development Systems with cities. The forums would be held shortly after the report is released, Williams said.

Officials in Austintown and Boardman are concerned Youngstown may want to annex portions of their townships through the JEDD process. Williams said he is tired of repeatedly stating the city isn’t considering annexation and that the JEDDs would benefit the city and the townships.

For the full story, see Thursday's Vindicator or Vindy.com.