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Hollow project awaits more funds
The project’s first phase is set to begin as early as seven months from now.
YOUNGSTOWN — The long-awaited redevelopment of the Wick District-Smoky Hollow area is going to have to wait a little longer, but officials with the organization spearheading the effort say progress is being made.
About $5 million is needed for the first phase of the $100 million neighborhood with housing and retail businesses.
That would include about 55 townhouses and single-family houses as well as infrastructure, said Margaret Murphy, executive director of Wick Neighbors Inc., which is organizing the redevelopment effort.
To date, the organization has raised close to $2 million, almost all of it through private donations, said Mike Garvey, chairman of the Wick Neighbors board and president of M7 Technologies.
M7 Technologies uses laser-scanning equipment that produces computer images of indoor and outdoor spaces.
Wick Neighbors also received $400,000 from the state’s capital bill for the development of a central park for the area.
The U.S. House and Senate Appropriations committees have recommended $700,000 for the organization for infrastructure improvements. The full House and Senate have to act on the recommendations.
U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan of Niles, D-17th, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, and U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, a Democrat from Avon, said Congress probably won’t approve the bill with the $700,000 earmark until early next year.
Also, the city has expressed its intent to provide $2.4 million in water, sewer and related infrastructure for the area if an additional $7.1 million for those items is obtained through federal, state and private funding.
Wick Neighbors could break ground on Phase I as early as seven months from now and no later than 18 months, Garvey said. The project has been in the works for five years.
The 66-acre area is bounded by Wick, Andrews, Rayen and Madison avenues.
“What we’re trying to do is create an environment in the next decade or two” to revitalize Youngstown, Ryan said.
Once established, the Wick District-Smoky Hollow area “will be a hub for new business, technology and talent in Youngstown,” Brown said.
The pair spoke Wednesday on the corner of Walnut and Court streets in the Wick District-Smoky Hollow area to draw attention to the project.
skolnick@vindy.com