Mahoning, Trumbull communities join forces to get neighborhood stabilization money

YOUNGSTOWN — Nine communities in Mahoning and Trumbull counties are teaming up to seek about $33 million in a competitive federal grant program to stabilize neighborhoods through demolition, housing rehabilitation and property acquisition.

Officials with the nine communities met today in Youngstown City Council chambers to discuss the grant application, which must be to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development by July 17. The effort is being spearheaded by Youngstown, which will write the grant application.

The decision to team up rather than go it alone is simple — there’s strength in numbers, said Michael D. Keys, Warren’s community development director.

“This is our best chance to be competitive with bigger cities,” he said.

There is $1.93 billion in federal funds available for land banking, property acquisition and rehabilitation, homebuyer financing, demolition and property redevelopment.

The communities involved in this collaborative effort are: Youngstown, Warren, Niles, Girard, Campbell, Struthers, Lowellville, Newton Falls and McDonald.

For the complete story, read Friday’s Vindicator or Vindy.com