MRCI Meeting Minutes

Friday, August 28, 2009

10:00 A.M.
Eastgate Regional COG

Attendees: Tom Finnerty, Mayor Dill, Mayor Holmes, Randy Partika, Rachel McCartney, Gary Dioro, Pat Rosenthal,
Jim Converse, Dave Imbrogno, Bill D’Avignon, Sarah Lown, Kathleen Rodi, Sharon Letson, Tim Yova, Pat
Rosenthal, Jim Converse, Dan Mamula

Introductions
Sean Burkholder, PSU Professor, and Penn State University landscape architectural design group were
introduced.

Review of Projects

A. Brownfield Projects
Of fifteen identified corridor brownfield projects, two (67 acres) have received VAP/NFA status, three (19
acres) are undergoing remediation, two (120 acres) have completed Phase II environmental assessments and
one will be applying for COAF Phase II assistance. The Initiative is pursuing access agreements/ownership for
four other sites totally approximately 130 acres. (See spreadsheet.)
Next steps.
• Continue pursuing access to the USSteel, Leatherworks, Sharon Steel East and Direct International
sites.
• Prepare white paper for Urban Task Force regarding adverse effect changes to the Clean Ohio
Program is having on Corridor Initiative and urban redevelopment.
• Representative(s) of Corridor Initiative are to meet with ODOD and Clean Ohio personnel regarding
matter.

B. Transportation / Infrastructure Projects

Of ten identified corridor transportation/infrastructure projects, three have secured all funding ($4.7m.) to go
to construction and three have secured ($3.7m.) in partial funding. (See spreadsheet)
Next steps:
• Secure additional funding for three partially funded projects (Lower Division Street, L-Shaped Road,
MRCO Sanitary Lift Station.
• Resolve ownership issue related to MRCO Sanitary Lift Station
• Work with Regional Chamber and NEOTech to advance intermodal facility.

C. Environmental / Recreational Enhancement Projects

The Penn State University Studio group will be working with the Corridor Initiative, Cityscapes and
Youngstown Office of Community Development and City of Girard to design enhancement projects for the
Woodland Ave. Bluff, Covelli Center, former Republic (RSA) and Girard Lowlands sites.
Next steps:
• Facilitate and collaborate with Cities of Youngstown and Girard, Cityscapes, Regional Chamber on the
422 Gateway Enhancement Project.
• Secure McDonald Bikeway route.
• Identify potential funding sources for other projects.

D. Marketing / Outreach
Mahoning River Corridor Website – “rollin’ on the river”.
Next steps:
• Secure sites/facilities to be featured on the interactive website from Corridor Initiative communities.
• Participate in the Grey to Green Festival on September 12, 2009.

E. Other
• Corridor Initiative to work with Mahoning River Mayors’ Association and MVOC to promote passage of
the Community Regeneration Bill to be introduced in Congress by Congressman Ryan.