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Two East Side residents, who are being moved out by the city, don’t want to leave
YOUNGSTOWN
A couple of residents of a largely vacant East Side neighborhood, being moved out of their houses for potential development, say they want the city to be fair with them.
Natarasha Gillam and Bertha Tillis, both of North Lane Avenue, don’t want to move.
Gillam and Tillis – who had her daughter-in-law, Audrey C. Tillis, speak on her behalf – are in a 21-acre location on the East Side that council rezoned Sept. 21 from residential to industrial green.
The location is between Oak Street, Himrod Avenue, Fruit Street and the Madison Avenue Expressway.
The two are among only four residents in occupied houses refusing to sell their houses in that area, and have expressed opposition over the past two months.
City Council President Charles Sammarone said if, like Tillis, he lived in his house for more than 50 years, “I wouldn’t want to be forced out. Everyone has to come to an agreement. You have to negotiate a price and be reasonable.”
After Wednesday’s council meeting, Mayor John A. McNally agrees the city needs to be reasonable.
“We’re going to move forward, and we expect to reach a fair deal,” he said. “I expect we’ll be able to come to a fair conclusion.”
The city wants to turn the site into a location for businesses such as light manufacturing, distribution centers, warehouses and storage facilities.
The city has had “some interest” in the location from businesses, McNally said.
Gillam said she spent about $15,000 for roof and other repairs in the past two years, as required by the city to be in compliance with housing codes.
The city first offered $5,040 for Gillam’s house and then $9,000.
“We understand the city wants to bring jobs, but we’re being forced to leave our houses,” Gillam said. “The amounts we’ve been offered aren’t enough.”
Audrey Tillis said her mother-in-law was offered $12,000 by the city for the house.
“She doesn’t want to move; she’s 88 years old,” she said. “There’s a big concern about her moving. We’re not trying to gouge anybody.”
Also Wednesday, council approved legislation to restructure the community planning and economic development department by adding three positions, eliminating one and transferring two others.
The changes would cost about $60,000 more in annual salaries.
Council also approved legislation to charge fees for work done by its fire department dealing with hazardous materials as well as arson, collapsed buildings and downed utility lines.
If there’s a need for the department’s assistance with hazardous materials, the use of a pumper or rescue truck would cost $350 an hour, a ladder truck would be $425 an hour, and personnel would be the actual hourly rate per employee or the overtime rate if needed.