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Center to get funds for renovations
By MARC KOVAC
COLUMBUS
The state Controlling Board released nearly half- a-million dollars Monday for improvements at the Youngstown Developmental Center in Mineral Ridge.
The $498,770 will be used to renovate bathrooms to make them handicap- accessible and to upgrade lighting in the facility’s halls and living and dining rooms.
With 120 residents from eight counties, the center provides learning and development opportunities for mentally handicapped and developmentally delayed people in the Mahoning Valley and surrounding area.
According to documents, “These spaces are 30 years old and in need of renovation. A total of 12 bathrooms in six buildings will have significant renovations, and three respite bathrooms in one house will have only the flooring replaced.”
The project is the second of a three-phase plan to update the center.
Murphy Contracting Co. of Youngstown is serving as general contractor for the work, bid at $101,800.
Prout Boiler, Heating and Welding Inc. is handling plumbing work, bid at $61,900.
Thompson Mechanical Inc. of Warren is handling heating, ventilation and air conditioning, bid at $45,150.
Joe Dickey Electric Inc. of North Lima is handling electrical work, bid at $172,010.
In other business:
The Controlling Board OK’d Youngstown State University’s purchase of a lot from the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America. The property, at 348 W. Rayen Ave., is being purchased by YSU for $145,000 for future office, classroom and parking use. The sale price was in line with two appraisals.
Lawmakers OK’d a $50,000 grant for a pilot program at the Youngstown Business Incubator to provide funding for company startups.
The Controlling Board released a $36,000 rapid- outreach grant for Anderson and DuBose Inc. of Warren for the purchase of machinery and equipment. The company distributes food and supplies to close to 500 McDonald’s restaurants in Ohio and Pennsylvania and is planning a new warehouse and distribution center in Trumbull County. The company would commit to creating 50 full-time jobs and retaining 94 others.