Hearing over siding set for Sept. 12

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The attorney for Denise Powell, the owner of a downtown building, pleaded not guilty on behalf of his client to a charge that she violated the city Design Review Committee’s code by installing vinyl siding on the front of the structure.

Powell, 55, didn’t attend Wednesday’s arraignment in Youngstown Municipal Court. A hearing in front of Magistrate Anthony Sertick is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Sept. 12.

The committee, which oversees exterior work in downtown and surrounding areas, told Powell in 2008 that she had to use a hard fiber-cement siding on the exterior of her building at 25 W. Federal St.

Instead, she had vinyl siding installed in mid-June on most of the front of the building, a violation of the DRC code. She was cited June 14 for the minor misdemeanor after refusing to comply with the code.

If found guilty, Powell could be fined $100 a day.

Also, Powell received a $100,000 city grant in 2007 after promising to spend about $568,000 to purchase and improve the building.

Powell purchased the building for $191,000 and has made some interior and exterior improvements.

But city officials say she hasn’t provided documentation that she’s spent close to $568,000. The city is looking to get the $100,000 back from Powell once the DRC case is resolved.