Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Property Management topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council committee hears update on city-owned 'Bottom Dollar' building, Port Authority pullout and outreach miscommunication
Summary
Staff reported that negotiations to place the nonprofit Village of Healing in a city-owned building stalled after the Port Authority declined to manage the property; staff estimated significant remaining renovation costs (previously discussed at about $1.5 million) and the mayor apologized for a tour that became publicly visible, calling it a communication lapse.
City staff and council members on April 14 discussed the status of a city-owned building — referred to in the meeting as the “Bottom Dollar” property — and efforts to secure a tenant or manager for the site.
A staff speaker said the administration inherited incomplete renovation work from the previous term and that the amount needed to finish the building had been discussed in past meetings at roughly $1.5 million; staff emphasized they have not yet received a formal lease or binding commitment from prospective tenants. The Port Authority, which earlier entered a memorandum of understanding to assist with city properties, ultimately did not take this property after reviewing outstanding costs and risks.
Chair Julius Oliver stressed the public-health importance of finding a tenant, noting Youngstown’s high infant mortality rate and saying the Village of Healing would be an appropriate occupant if a viable lease could be arranged. The mayor acknowledged a communication lapse after a property tour became public, apologized to council and the public and said his office would re-engage prospective partners with updated information.
Councilwoman McWilson described the scene at the public tour as uncomfortable, saying she felt council members and clergy were treated as if they “were almost like criminals” when police arrived to check the site. The mayor said the police presence resulted from a coincidental check of the premises and he took responsibility for poor communication about the tour.
Staff said there is interest in the building and several prospects had been discussed previously, but no final proposals have been submitted and the city does not want to serve as a long-term landlord without an agreed plan. The committee asked staff to continue outreach and to return with proposals that include financing and operations plans.
