Fate of downtown’s Pig Iron Press in jeopardy; public support sought

February 17, 2013 at 4:21p.m.

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Jim Villani bought a downtown building 20 years ago and moved Pig Iron Press, his one-man publishing company, into it.

But his days in the long and narrow, three-story structure at 26 N. Phelps St. may be numbered. Villani owes $6,238 on his tax bill and his 6,500-square-foot building will be sold at sheriff’s sale on March 5 if he can’t make the payment.

Villani has been trying to raise the money. He hosted a fundraiser Feb. 2 that netted $1,000, and is planning another — a wine- and beer-taste — on March 1.

But he admits that it’s a long shot and has already put his 1910 building up for sale. It’s listed by Howard Hanna with an asking price of $95,000.

Villani is considering filing for bankruptcy, which would stall the foreclosure process.

He is appealing to the public for donations or even a loan. Donations can be made to the Save Pig Iron Press account, which has been set up at First National Bank at 1 W. Federal St., downtown; or by mailing a check to Pig Iron Press, 26 N. Phelps St., Youngstown, OH 44501. Villani can be reached at 330-747-6932.

Read the full story Monday in The Vindicator and on Vindy.com.