Mahoning commissioners urged to adopt land-bank program

YOUNGSTOWN — Numerous community leaders are petitioning the Mahoning County commissioners to create a countywide land bank.

Such a land bank “will lead to safer and more secure neighborhoods,” said Christopher Travers of Sheridan Road, president of the 7th Ward Citizens’ Coalition and spokesman for the petition signers.

Vacant and abandoned buildings present a danger to the community, he said, adding that increased demolition hasn’t kept pace with abandonment and vacancy in Youngstown.

Although more than 650 demolitions occurred between 2008 and 2010, a recent survey by the Mahoning Valley Organizing Committee identified more than 1,000 newly vacant structures in the city alone, Travers said.

Flanked by the Revs. Edward Noga and Gregory Maturi, pastors of St. Patrick’s and St. Dominic churches, respectively, Travers presented the commissioners with the petition today.

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