YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Phelps Street pedestrian walkway was officially opened Oct. 30, capping the 11-month project and creating a focal point in the downtown Youngstown entertainment district.
The project turned the once-narrow street into an open and decoratively landscaped plaza. It removes vehicular traffic from the block and creates a corridor lined with bars and restaurants.
The pandemic and the onset of cold weather, however, means the walkway won’t be used as intended until at least spring. But Mayor Jamael Tito Brown was looking to the future.
“Downtown is our heartbeat,” he said. “Studies show that if you have a thriving downtown, it feeds into your neighborhoods, goes down your corridors.”
Pictured: Mayor Jamael Tito Brown and others cut the ribbon. From left: Vickie L. Davanzo, economic development department; Father Richard Murphy of Ursuline High School, Councilman Julius Oliver, Chuck Shasho, deputy director of public works; Brown, Councilwoman Basia Adamczak, Councilman Mike Ray and Jim Kinnick, executive director, Eastgate Council of Governments.