Renovation query to go to experts

The county will seek advice on whether to renovate a building.

By D.A. WILKINSON

VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU

LISBON — Can the Columbiana County Department of Job & Family Services be saved?

That’s the building, not the agency.

County commissioners, preservationists and Lisbon businesses have been debating whether the building at 110 N. Nelson St. could or should be renovated.

Commissioners Jim Hoppel and Dan Bing indicated Wednesday the commissioners want to get a professional, independent opinion.

The DJ & FS is located on two floors of what used to be shops and other governmental agencies. Above those two stories is a bowling alley.

When it comes to renovation, Hoppel said, “a lot depends on the condition.”

Problems include leaky roofs, heating and cooling, cracked walls and cramped quarters for the 160 workers.

Hoppel said he wants to seek quotes from three specialists. He said the cost should be under $25,000, so the county will not have to formally advertise for bids.

The study will look strictly at what Hoppel described as the “shell structure” of the building, and not other problems, such as the heating and cooling.

The study would help the commissioners decide to take a deeper look at renovations or look to other sites.

On the basic question on renovation to the building, Hoppel said, “Is it worth it?”

The project would cost about $8 million. The county has about $1.2 million in grants and other funds and would pay for part of the work with rent paid by DJ & FS. The commissioners still need $2 million to $3 million more to pay for the project.

Hoppel said he had completed the paperwork needed to get a $247,000 state grant awarded earlier for DJ & FS improvements. He said he will do the same thing for another $1 million earlier earmarked for the project.

Architect Robert A. Mastriana of The 4M Company of Boardman, and architect Norma J. Stefanik of Youngstown State University’s Center for Urban and Regional Studies, have suggested the commissioners renovate the existing DJ & FS for less money. They’ve estimated the work could cost about $4.8 million.

The figures could change if the county elections board, which is in another county-owned property, and the county’s veterans commission, which rents space, are included with the DJ & FS.

The commissioners have an option to build in Lisbon at the northern edge of the village. But the Lisbon Area Chamber of Commerce wants to keep the workers near downtown.

As a result, the commissioners have been looking at the closed IGA store building, which is across Jefferson Street from the DJ & FS.

Hoppel said the building is smaller than expected and may not be able to hold the three agencies.

Bing said the county could build a second story onto the store.

wilkinson@vindy.com