Youngstown creates strategy for vacant properties

YOUNGSTOWN — Officials say new surveys identifying vacant city property will help create strategies for more stable neighborhoods, while building upon the Youngstown 2010 plan.

The Mahoning Valley Organizing Collaborative released the results of its recent vacant property campaign during a news conference today in Youngstown City Council Chambers.

“This is one of the most detailed vacant property surveys in the United States,” said Tammy Thomas, an MVOC organizer. “The [maps] are a pure snap shot of what our neighborhoods are actually like.”

“We’ll [use] this data to make strategic decisions and to move forward ... bring our communities back,” Thomas said.

The collaborative created the surveys to identify and rate each vacant structure and parcel of land in the city. The surveys were conducted by more than 150 residents and block watch leaders and revealed specific information detailing which neighborhoods should receive stabilization funds.

For the complete story, see Friday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com