Smoky Hollow project will be a reality

On July 11, more than 250 runners and walkers descended on Smoky Hollow from all over the Mahoning Valley for the sixth annual Smoky Hollow Run and Walk. Seven years ago, when Wick Neighbors Inc. was founded, I — along with others — thought that by now a new, revitalized neighborhood would be under construction in Smoky Hollow. But alas, although much has been accomplished in establishing the foundation for the future development of a new urban neighborhood, while the Hollow looks much better than it did back then, and while construction of a new park and infrastructure will begin soon, no housing is under construction.

So, what are we to conclude? Nothing is easy.

Then again, I am as certain today, as I was in 2001, when my wife, Pat, and I first met John and Annette Horner at a small dinner given by Nancy and Fred Tod, that Smoky Hollow will happen. Those 70 acres on the east side of our campus was described to me in its heyday as “the world in one neighborhood.” Current economic conditions have prevented the rebirth of the neighborhood, but it will happen.

Why am I so confident? Well, nine years ago, when I first met Monsignor Robert Siffrin of the Diocese of Youngstown, I remember discussing with him that we had to do something about our neighborhood on the south edge of campus and just to the east of St. Columba Cathedral — a two block area between Rayen Avenue and Wood Street comprised of a half dozen blighted, boarded up and ugly commercial buildings, the largest of which was a former auto dealership that was a photo opportunity for urban blight and decay.

Partnership established

Monsignor Siffrin indicated that the diocese had tried to buy the building, but the owners were asking an outlandish price. That discussion led to further talks with officials of the diocese, the city, Mayor Jay Williams and the university. A partnership was established, and a plan was developed.

Now, nine years later, as a result of that plan and that partnership, as well as a lot of hard work in the face of some naysayers, $40 million in construction is under way in the area — a new Williamson College of Business Administration building; an attractive new parking lot for the diocese, replacing blighted and derelict buildings; and thanks to the city, the extension of Hazel Street from Commerce Street, along the Museum of Industry and Labor to Lincoln Avenue, more effectively connecting the university to the city.

It was not easy, as you may have read in the The Vindicator. But sustained partnerships can make things happen.

I am reminded of that old saying that there are three types of people: People who make things happen. People who watch things happen. And people who one day wake up and say, “What happened?”

The Wick Neighbors partnership will make Smoky Hollow happen. And, when it does, Pat and I want to be invited back, along with the Horners, to celebrate with all the people who made it happen.

X David C. Sweet is president of Youngstown State University. This article is based on remarks that Dr. Sweet made July 12 at an ecumenical service at First Presbyterian Church in Youngstown.