Mahoning commissioners approve architect for new dog pound

YOUNGSTOWN — The Mahoning County commissioners this morning authorized a Liberty Township architectural firm to proceed with design of the new county dog shelter to be built at 1230 N. Meridian Road in Austintown at a cost of $3.65 million.

The 14,310-square-foot, single-story dog shelter, being designed by Copich Architects, will be built anew on that 8-acre site after a house and a former fitness center are demolished.

Separate doors will be used for incoming dogs and for dogs leaving the shelter for adoption, said Architect Helen Copich.

Construction is expected to begin in February, weather permitting, with occupancy before the end of 2016, Copich said.

The fitness center building can’t be used because land where an addition to it had been proposed isn’t level with the building, explained James Fortunato, county purchasing director.

After a bank foreclosure, the county bought the site for $250,000, plus a $25,000 auctioneer’s fee.

The new shelter will replace the current dog pound on Industrial Road.

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