MetroParks board approves $10K for Lanterman's Mill improvements

YOUNGSTOWN — The Mill Creek MetroParks board approved a $10,000 appropriation increase for repairs to Lanterman’s Mill.

Kevin Smith, MetroParks treasurer, said the funds will come from the Mill Creek Park Foundation, a separate 501(c)(3) organization that brings money in from donations and investments.

He said foundation members presented him the check during a meeting earlier this week.

Smith said time — and water — had worn wheel’s main support beam.

“We need to fix it for safety’s sake,” Smith said.

Perry Toth, operations director, said the beam is located under the main bearing on the shaft that goes through the wheel and that it has “rotted over time.”

Toth also said areas of the floor on the mill’s second level also needs to be replaced. He said he believes wood underneath the floor has also rotted.

Toth said those repairs will most likely be paid for via this appropriation, depending on the costs to fix the support beam and wheel.