State OKs land money for YSU

COLUMBUS — The state approved funding for Youngstown State University to purchase parcels totaling more than an acre as part of an effort to redevelop blighted areas around campus.

The state controlling board, without comment, agreed to release about $47,000 for the properties, including:

• A total of 0.11 of an acre on Custer Avenue, owned by Donna Jean Rezek and Randall C. Rezek, at a cost of $23,000.

• About 0.17 of an acre on Harrison Street that is owned by the estate of Richard Chislom,   $10,600.

• A lot with 0.14 of an acre of space on North Walnut Street, owned by Early J. Cooper,   $8,400.

• Two lots, totaling 0.9 of an acre, on East Adams Street, owned by Clara Ann Barbato, $4,975.

The property owned by the Rezeks will be used to expand a YSU athletics field, according to documents.   The other three are part of the Smoky Hollow Redevelopment Plan, an initiative involving YSU, the city and a private foundation to replace blighted areas around campus with new homes.