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Struthers residents ask questions about proposed complex
By jeanne starmack
STRUTHERS
Residents of the 2nd Ward who are concerned about a proposed senior-citizen complex in the ward got a chance to ask questions at a public forum.
About 50 people came Monday night to the Struthers Middle School to hear a presentation from Buckeye Community Hope Foundation, a nonprofit developer in Columbus, and its local partner, the Mahoning Valley Housing and Finance Authority.
The partners want a resolution from city council that supports their effort to get U.S. Housing and Urban Development grants for Saxony Place.
Councilman Robert Stouffer, D-2nd, asked for the public meeting first.
The developers want to build 40 one-bedroom, ranch-style apartments on four acres behind Youngstown-Poland Road. The developers have an option to buy the property from area businessman Henry Nemenz.
The apartments will rent for 30 percent of annual incomes, and the income cap is $18,800. The age requirement is 62 and up.
The developers will apply for the funds by next Tuesday, said Tom Gilmartin, who was at the meeting representing the Housing and Finance Authority.
He said a council resolution of support will be a plus.
People who attended the meeting were concerned with issues such as water runoff, crime and property values.
A Ninth Street resident said there already is a water problem in the neighborhood.
Gilmartin said the engineering would not be impossible. “The facts are we should be able to address the water runoff,” he said.
The company will be managed by RLJ Management Co. of Columbus. Noel Hasson, who manages two senior-citizen complexes for RLJ in East Liverpool, said the company has rigorous screening processes that include criminal and background checks.
Seventh Street resident Thomas Bial said he is concerned about depreciating property values.
Gilmartin said that each unit is worth about $120,000 in what will be a $6 million project, and he said it will be a “status” place to live.
He said the new construction will help stabilize home values.
Real-estate agent Thomas D’Amico said the project will create a place for senior citizens to go, and that will help drive up property values.
“You need population to create value,” he said. “You need people to come into an area to create a demand.”
The Rev. Bob Bonnot, pastor of St. Nicholas and Holy Trinity churches in Struthers, said he is supporting the project.
“We have an elderly population we have to care for,” he said. “This project is part of that.”