CityScape Again Offers Downtown Discount Card

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Youngstown CityScape, through its Downtown Youngstown Partnership program, will once again sell its downtown discount card.

The Business Journal is among one of five sponsors of this year’s discount card, which should be available for sale by mid-November, Sharon Letson, CityScape executive director said.

The $10 card, which CityScape began selling in 2017, will offer discounts from 19 participating downtown area organizations and is good for one year.

“The whole point of the discount card is just to promote our downtown businesses,” Letson said.

The past year has been a difficult one for downtown businesses, she said. Many continue to recover from the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and have had to navigate the challenges posed by the ongoing $27.65 million downtown road construction project.

Also, tenants of downtown’s 20 Federal Place building were forced to vacate the building ahead of environmental work as part of its proposed renovation.

“It’s a triple whammy,” she remarked.

“It has certainly been a tough time with the pandemic, as well as losing several businesses due to the renovation of 20 Federal, but downtown is still an exciting destination and many businesses are thriving,” Ellie Platt, who co-leads DYP, said. “It’s also fun to spend time in walkable areas like downtown and enjoy several places in one day or evening.”

About half of the slots for businesses offering discounts were filled as of Oct. 27, Letson said.

“We’d like to have these out by the holidays,” as the cards are often used as stocking stuffers, she said. She already has received calls from workers in downtown offices who buy the cards every year and use them when they go to lunch.

“The downtown discount card has been a great way to make valley residents aware of the many bars and restaurants downtown, while also getting some great discounts,” Platt said.

In addition to downtown Youngstown restaurants, participants in the discount program have included  museums and other venues. 

The card is not just a way to save but “a great checklist for enjoying all the area has to offer,” Platt said  

The cards primarily will be sold online by CityScape and at its offices.

“Proceeds from the cards also benefit Youngstown Cityscape, so anyone who makes a purchase is also indirectly supporting the organization’s upkeep and beautification efforts,” Platt said. 

Additionally, CityScape partners with the Center for Nonprofit Leadership at Youngstown State University to sell the cards, with the center retaining half of the proceeds from card sales by students. Those funds are used to provide grants to a local nonprofit through the center’s Pay It Forward program. 

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.