Housing project reopens

Housing project reopens

YOUNGSTOWN

In a hasty outdoor ceremony, which was moved indoors due to inclement weather late this morning, dignitaries cut the ribbon at the Youngstown Metropolitan Housing Authority’s Brier Hill Annex.

The complex is re-opening for occupancy following a $10 million renovation, during which it was vacant for nearly two years.

Residents began returning to the 82-unit, 1962-vintage apartment complex on May 17, following the renovation designed to turn the complex into a green, energy efficient community.

During that renovation, which was paid for by federal stimulus funds, rooftop solar panels were installed, which are capable of supplying 25 percent of the development’s electrical needs.

“Ten million dollars of federal money has come back to this community and put people back to work and improved the quality of life in the City of Youngstown,” said U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan of Niles, D-17th.

“The City of Youngstown is on the move, and it is becoming a destination place” for economic development, he said. “These investments are necessary for us to continue” that progress, Ryan added.

“Anything we can do for our old neighborhoods to bring them back, I’ve always supported,” said Mayor Charles Sammarone.