Business incubator moves forward with expansion plan

YOUNGSTOWN — The Youngstown Business Incubator is proceeding with expansion plans at a vacant downtown building even though the expected tenant isn’t relocating there.

The city’s Design Review Committee approved a proposal today for a sun-shade canopy, exterior lighting and signs at 234 W. Boardman St., an 8,600-square-foot facility owned by the incubator that was the former Furnitureland warehouse.

The incubator negotiated late last year with Revere Data, a market analysis firm, to move from the 5,200 square feet of space it occupies at the incubator-owned Semple Building on West Federal Street to the former warehouse.

But that deal fell through.

“It’s not the right fit for them; it’s not the right place,” said Barbara Ewing, the incubator’s chief operating officer. “But we need to move forward [on building improvements] even though we don’t have a signed lease at this time.”

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