City agrees to buy the Paramount Theater
Youngstown City Council agreed today to buy the dilapidated former Paramount Theater for $80,000.
Along with that building, the city will also obtain a small parcel at the intersection of West Commerce and Hazel streets needed for its Hazel Street extension project.
The decision comes less than a month after council members refused to purchase the former downtown theater because of the extensive cost of removing asbestos and demolishing the structure.
The administration was able to convince council members that the purchase was a good investment for the city as part of the downtown revitalization.
The city would seek state funding for the work needed to demolish the building, Mayor Jay Williams said.
For the complete story, read Thursday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com