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Austintown residents receive refreshing reports from Regional Chamber event
AUSTINTOWN
Township officials outlined some of Austintown’s successful and progressive development achievements to residents during Good Morning Austintown.
Good Morning Austintown, a Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber event hosted Friday morning at Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course, 655 N. Canfield-Niles Road, provided township business and economic updates.
Officials announced the development of various facilities and ideas for new ones – such as an Austintown branch of the YMCA.
Tim Hilk, CEO of the YMCA, said the process is still in the fundraising phase.
Hilk said township leaders had discussed this project for the past 10 years. YMCA officials put it in their strategic plan five years ago.
Since then, Hilk said they have done detailed market and feasibility studies.
“There is a potential for a YMCA to be built in western Mahoning County, similar in size and scope to the original Davis Y [in Boardman], but it’s all dependent upon successful fundraising, which we have started but could go on for some time,” Hilk said. “We will make an announcement in Austintown when we get to the point when a branch can be built.”
The process can take from eight to 10 years, from conception to reality, Hilk said, and the fundraising is dependent upon community support and donors.
A fitness facility is coming to Austintown, however. Planet Fitness is set to open in mid-February in the Austintown Plaza, 6000 Mahoning Ave.
Martin Solomon, president of B&I Management, which operates the Austintown Plaza, said he was excited to see the fitness market get some representation in the township.
Hilk said although the YMCA would bring another fitness facility to the area, the Y caters to more than just fitness.
“We are a cradle-to-grave organization. We serve everyone of all ages and backgrounds,” Hilk said. “Many of our resources go toward supporting youth and youth activities, as well as the general wellness population, seniors and families.”
Other markets also have come to Austintown, including Pat Catan’s, which opened in October.
Trustee Jim Davis said Austintown is making positive development strides.
The hotel market has spent more than $12 million on two hotels the last few years.
Candlewood Suites, 5575 Cerni Place, opened in 2014, and The Hilton Home 2 Suites, 5580 Interstate Blvd., will open later this year.