V&M to cities: Figure it out by Aug. 28
YOUNGSTOWN — Officials with Youngstown and Girard met behind closed doors for more than two hours today with V&M Star Steel President Roger Lindgren to talk about a border dispute that could kill a potential $970 million expansion project by the company in the two cities.
While Youngstown Mayor Jay Williams and Girard Mayor James Melfi said after the meeting that it was a productive session neither said an agreement between the two sides is imminent.
V&M Star has given the two cities until Aug. 28 to work out a resolution that would put about 80 acres in Girard and recently purchased by Youngstown in the latter city’s boundary.
Melfi has refused to agree to that provision.
When asked after the meeting if he changed his mind, Melfi first said, “I don’t know my position on the boundary at this time. Anything is possible.”
When asked again, Melfi said, “I’m still not in favor of moving boundaries.” But the mayor said he’d listen to proposals to help bring the proposed project here.
Lindgren, who has repeatedly refused to comment on the project, walked out of the private meeting without talking to the media.
Officials with Youngstown and Girard are to discuss the project and the boundary issue today at another private meeting.
For more, read Thursday’s Vindicator or Vindy.com