Youngstown, YSU plan for seven demolitions

YOUNGSTOWN — The city hired a firm to develop plans to abate and demolish seven structures to make space for a new Youngstown State University building and a nearby street extension even though the owner of one property refuses to sell.

The city board of control agreed today to pay $119,907 to MS Consultants Inc. to prepare the details of hazardous material removal and demolition plans for the seven buildings on or near West Wood, North Phelps and North Hazel streets and West Rayen Avenue.

MS of Youngstown would also assist the city during the bidding process for the job and to inspect the work as it’s being done.

Demolition is to start around Jan. 1, 2008, but the refusal of Joseph Grenga to sell his 102-year-old property on West Rayen Avenue may impact the project.

The city probably wouldn’t do any of the demolition work without first owning Grenga Machine and Welding, said Carmen S. Conglose, the city’s deputy director of public works.

But Conglose and city Finance Director David Bozanich say the city should have control of Grenga’s property by the time the buildings are to be abated and demolished.

City officials say they could take Grenga’s property through eminent domain.

For the complete story, read Friday’s Vindicator or vindy.com