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Youngstown, university officials hope to build on group's ideas for YSU-downtown-river link
YOUNGSTOWN
Developing a Phelps and Hazel streets corridor that would connect Youngstown State University with the downtown area and the Mahoning River is seen as a way to draw more students and other people to the city.
Students and faculty from Kent State University’s Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative, Lawrence Technological University in Detroit and Ball State University in Indianapolis, who took an intensive three-day look Oct. 22-24, presented “From the Campus to the Downtown to the River” at a community meeting Thursday at Mill Creek MetroParks’ Fellows Riverside Gardens.
The report showcased their ideas for connecting and developing areas of downtown Youngstown, with a focus on the Phelps-Hazel corridor. Ideas for improving the walk from YSU to downtown ranged from improved signage to pedestrian-level lighting to street furniture to an adult-sized slide to establishing bus routes to make the trip seem safer, more interesting and easier.
Though Youngstown’s market is not strong now, the students said there is optimism about possibilities for small business and residential spaces downtown.
Also, they said, there is an overabundance of parking lots in and around the downtown that could be used for development.
The students also proposed that the recent demolition of the Wean building along the Mahoning River near Front Street opens the potential for large-scale new development in addition to riverfront and recreational venues, such as a boardwalk and community athletic fields.
The students were divided into three study groups: Hazel and Phelps, Wean United/Covelli Centre, and the riverfront and connections.
Before the presentation began, Youngstown Mayor John McNally said he hoped the project would give suggestions to improve linkage between YSU and the downtown, down to the river.
Responding to a question from the audience about how to get started, a presenter said to choose something that can be done quickly and will make an impact to get the community enthused about doing more long-term projects.
Michael A. Hripko, associate vice president for research and economic development at YSU, said the university’s Center for Urban and Regional Studies applied for the competitive CUDC program.
“The hope is that some of their ideas will inspire our developers and investors with a new image of downtown Youngstown,” Hripko said.