Development of Youngstown Developmental Center property gets boost

YOUNGSTOWN — The Mahoning County Mental Health and Recovery Board has a new partner in its plan to develop the former Youngstown Developmental Center property in Austintown.

The Western Reserve Port Authority has joined forces with the mental health board to assist with the project in any way they can.

The 33-acre campus used to house developmentally disabled residents, but the state closed the facility in an effort away from residential facilities and toward housing developmentally-disabled Ohioans in the community.

The Mental Health and Recovery Board plans to bring multiple services to the property to help area residents in need.

Duane Piccirilli, executive director of the mental health board, said his organization is good at helping those who require mental health and recovery services, but the port authority will provide valuable assistance in managing a product of this size.