Youngstown group lobbies Columbus for more housing funds

YOUNGSTOWN — A group representing the Mahoning Valley met with the Ohio Department of Development in Columbus recently to express frustrations that Youngstown didn’t receive as much money as they thought it should have through the Neighborhood Stabilization Program.

“We let them know that Youngstown has been the orphan child and we’re no longer willing to put up with that,” said Patricia Dougan, president of the 7th Ward Citizens’ Coalition, who was among city officials, state legislators and community activists at the session.

The meeting was arranged by the Mahoning Valley Organizing Collaborative, a group that seeks to aid Youngstown neighborhoods by getting block-watch groups and elected officials to work together to eliminate vacant and dilapidated properties.

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