East Siders upset about being displaced for creation of industrial zone

YOUNGSTOWN — Residents of an East Side community say they are angry and upset the city is displacing them from their homes to turn the area into a light industrial business zone.

About 20 people who live in the 21-acre location or those within 250 feet of the area showed up today for a public hearing.

Only four spoke and all of them were against the plan to change the zoning from residential to industrial green. Businesses would include light manufacturing, distribution centers, warehouse and storage facilities, said Bill D’Avignon, the city’s Community Development Agency director.

The location is between Oak Street, Himrod Avenue, Fruit Street and the Madison Avenue Expressway.

City council will consider legislation on the proposed zone change at its Sept. 21 meeting.

For the complete story, read Thursday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com