Courthouse scaffolding to be installed to protect visitors, staff

YOUNGSTOWN — In an emergency meeting this morning, the Mahoning County Commissioners hired a Cleveland company to install a scaffolding over the sidewalk and front entrance to the century-old county courthouse to protect the public from stone that might fall from it.

Safeway Services LLC will install the 90-foot-long scaffolding Thursday and Friday at a cost of $7,500, including installation, 90-day rental and removal.

Immediately after the meeting, county workers roped off the front entrance on Market Street and moved the baggage scanner and walk-through metal detector to the Front Street door, where the public will enter and exit through a hallway until the scaffolding installation is finished.

The commissioners will consider separately a $108,500 proposal by architects from the 4M Co. of Boardman to temporarily shore up the failing base of the rooftop statues.

That company has applied for $10.1 million in federal stimulus money for full restoration of the county courthouse and repair of the adjacent county administration building.