Businessman providing site for police substation

Renovations should be complete by spring.
YOUNGSTOWN -- Funds to establish and maintain a police substation and K-9 Unit in Cornersburg are being donated by local businessman Vince Furrie Jr.
Furrie represents Village Sparkle Inc., which owns five Sparkle Markets, including the one in Cornersburg. He said the substation will occupy about 1,000 square feet of now-vacant space between Cornersburg Pizza and LaFrance Cleaners on Canfield Road at South Meridian Road.
Renovations to the space, estimated at 75,000, should be complete by spring.
Furrie said he signed a contract that specifically notes the facility is rent and utility free to the police department for two years and can be extended for as long as police want it. He said the paperwork must be signed by the chief.
A call to Police Chief Jimmy Hughes seeking comment on Friday was not returned.
Furrie said the Youngstown Police Department substation will also be made available to Mahoning County deputy sheriffs and officers from communities that border Cornersburg who want to use it. The space will have a desk and restroom.
What's behind this
In a press release, Furrie said several businesses in the concentrated retail area have been robbed the past eight months, including a bank, three pizza shops and drugstore. He hopes the new facility will help curb the recent eruption of crime in Cornersburg.
"As a business owner, it's important to invest in your community and neighborhood," Furrie said. "When your community is in crisis, you have to do what you can to come to its aid."
Furrie said Friday that he has been dealing with YPD Capt. Dave Williams and Detective Sgt. Frank Rutherford. Rutherford will locate the new K-9 Unit at the substation, Furrie said.
"All they have to do is install their own lock," Furrie said of the facility. "I expect the ribbon cutting in late May."