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Council discusses CRA appointments, development incentives to spur housing construction
Summary
Councilors reviewed Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) committee appointments and whether Struthers can replicate neighboring towns' development success to increase housing and income‑tax revenue, and discussed outreach to the school board and YMDC involvement.
Struthers City Council discussed next steps for a Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) program intended to encourage housing construction, the need to appoint council representatives to the CRA committee, and outreach to local partners and the school district.
Council members said the CRA requires council to appoint two people to the committee, with the mayor appointing two and the CRA committee itself appointing two. Officials said they expect to work with Ian Bennison from YMDC (as noted in the transcript) and are still learning program details. The council discussed whether Struthers has available land to replicate the scale of development seen in nearby Columbiana and acknowledged limitations on buildable lots within the city.
Members emphasized the fiscal rationale for encouraging new housing: council discussed that most municipal revenue comes from income tax rather than property tax and said demolitions and population loss reduce the city’s revenue base. One councilor acknowledged an oversight in not consulting the school board and said they will meet with Superintendent Perron and the school board to explain the CRA plan. The transcript shows interest from other municipalities and outreach activity but does not record a formal appointment or vote on CRA membership in this session.
