Smoky Hollow revitalization plan taking shape

YOUNGSTOWN — For years, the city’s Smoky Hollow neighborhood bustled with residents — men headed to factory jobs, mothers shopping and children playing on ballfields.

But like much of the city, the neighborhood declined as people moved out.

Several years ago, Wick Neighbors Inc. embarked on a plan to revitalize the neighborhood.

Progress moved slowly at first as organizers formed partnerships and pursued funding, but now there’s a piece they can point to, showing the project is more than just a dream.

A brick-paved plaza adorned with plantings and pieces of sandstone to be used as benches sits on Walnut Street, across from the Youngstown State University parking deck. Harrison Common is on the site of the former Harrison Field, where children’s baseball leagues battled on the fields.

For the complete story, see Friday's Vindicator and Vindy.com