By Catherine Cercone Miller
Mayor of Struthers
STRUTHERS, Ohio – For the city of Struthers, 2022 was characterized by planning, development and small-business assistance.
The city’s comprehensive plan, “Discover Struthers,” will be complete early this year and will serve as a roadmap for the next decade.
As a product of the planning process, the Ohio Department of Transportation selected Struthers to receive a grant to complete an active transportation plan that maps efforts for advancing bicycle and pedestrian priorities and sets the stage for implementation. The grant is valued at nearly $80,000.
The city is committed to creating an equitable transportation network in its effort to create a more resilient and age-friendly environment. People of all ages and abilities benefit from infrastructure, policies and programs that make active transportation a safe, convenient and obvious option.
This makes neighborhoods walkable with a variety of transportation options beyond the car. Residents can enjoy greater access to key services and more opportunities to participate in community activities.
Additionally in 2022, the city joined the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities, committing to create an age-friendly environment in a livable community that promotes the health and wellness of residents in all stages of life. Struthers is the first community to hold this designation in the Mahoning Valley.
Early in 2022, the city acquired two key properties in the downtown: a 27.5-acre parcel on Bob Cene Way donated by Astro Development LLC and the McKinney Building.
To plan for development of the 27.5-acre parcel, the city got a $20,000 grant from JobsOhio. The city will use the 27.5 acres for mixed-use development, in connection to Mahoning River development where it recently opened the ODNR kayak ramp.
In late 2022, the city issued a request for proposals for renovations and site development for the McKinney Building.
The city also began spending the $750,000 in ARPA funding awarded by the Mahoning County commissioners to beautify and assist businesses. Grants are being awarded for facades and downtown beautification projects.
The city also began a volunteer EMT service and purchased an ambulance. The city will open its new fire station this year and is awaiting delivery of a new fire truck.
Pictured at top: Cutting the ribbon for the kayak ramp June 17, 2022: Bob Benson, Mike Patrick, Lori Greenwood, John Zomoida, Kerri Gries, Bob Burnside, Catherine Cercone Miller, Chuck Miller, Ed Hahn, Rick Bayus, Dallas Bigley, Chrissy Bohl, Sean Landon.