State Controlling Board approves $450K for YSU projects

By Marc Kovac | May 9, 2017 at 12:00a.m.

COLUMBUS

The state Controlling Board released more than $450,000 for improvement projects at Youngstown State University.

Nearly $286,000 will go toward the replacement of deteriorating retaining walls, plaza decks, brick paving areas, ramps and other walkways that serve as the gateway to campus.

Included in the project is a new concrete stairway and lighting to assist students navigating “a long, steep hillside next to the Courtyard student housing complex that leads to the street and parking facilities below,” according to documents.

Thomas Pallotta & Sons of Youngstown submitted the low bid for the work.

Also on Monday, lawmakers approved more than $173,000 for renovations in Bliss Hall, which houses YSU’s College of Creative Arts and Communications programs. The project will upgrade space used for graduate student instruction and accommodate a new arts program, according to documents.

Adolph Johnson & Son Co. of Mineral Ridge submitted the low bid for the work.

In other business, the board:

Released $195,000 to cover the state’s share of renovations costs for two mental-health and addiction services facilities operated by Meridian HealthCare, 527 N. Meridian Road, Youngstown.

The housing provides 60 units for single men and 11 for single, low-income women dealing with severe mental illnesses and addictions who are already or at risk of being homeless, according to documents.

Approved a nearly $1.4 million contract with MS Consultants of Youngstown to develop for the Ohio Department of Transportation options for handling storm-water management on road and related projects.

Released $527,240 for heating, ventilation and air-conditioning replacements at KSU’s Trumbull County Classroom Building.