Commentary: Concerns with Downtown DORA

By Edward P. Noga

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – I love a cold beer on a hot summer afternoon after I cut the grass. Moreover, the best complements to a dish of pasta are a slice of homemade Italian bread and a glass of Chianti.

That said, when I heard city leaders say that a DORA – designated outdoor refreshment area – designation will be a way to kick-start or reboot our downtown/Youngstown State University area, their appeal fell flat.

As a resident of downtown for the last five years, I have witnessed the recent developments and am very familiar with the influx of families who come downtown for the ice shows at Covelli Centre and special programming at Smarts and Oh Wow! The Roger & Gloria Jones Children’s Center for Science & Technology.

Add to that list the many family entertainment opportunities at YSU, Powers Auditorium, the library, YMCA, YWCA and the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre. These activities and events not only bring families downtown, they introduce the next generation to downtown life.

We know – as with many Midwestern cities – that the downturn in our city center was caused by many factors. For cities along the Mahoning River, activities, investment and interest in downtowns was greatly pulled back, nearly brought to extinction, when our steel mills shut down and pulled out.

I sadly remember a conversation with a young person 25 years ago (who, by the way, still lives here and is doing very well). At that time, he lived in southern Trumbull County.

I asked what his feelings and relationship with downtown Youngstown were. Without hesitation, the response was, “From where I live, driving through downtown is the easiest way to get to the Southern Park Mall!”

As we look around at various festivals, attractions and events in Valley communities, it is refreshing that a family focus is often a major influencer. Many who study family life speak of the quality of life as a major factor in the life of their community.

With the above in mind, I have concerns when I hear that the DORA will be a driving force for economic development. It might have its place. But –

Maybe ensuring ample parking downtown is available, welcoming and advertised is just as important (including the newly re-opened lot of almost 200 spaces on Commerce Street near Wick Avenue).

Maybe economic development and special events officials should visit the downtown stakeholders so they can see firsthand how things are going and what’s needed to spur progress.

Maybe with all the street construction downtown nearing completion, city leaders can cooperate with downtown building owners or – dare I say? – pay for a much- needed street-level window cleaning required because of construction dust and debris.

Maybe the announcement from some key leaders that the Realty Building site will go through a definite and deliberate discernment for future development will include Chase Bank as part of the process.

Maybe the annual holiday parade in December can continue its drawing power with more city funding instead of counting on private partnerships.

Maybe bringing back a smaller scale, more compact First Night that concentrates on Wick Avenue and the immediate downtown (for easier mobility and bus routing) is important.

Maybe a defined and deliberate police presence at peak times will benefit the downtown instead of relying, as we do now, on the casual, “If the police are needed, they will be there.”

Maybe a test run of special/limited children and family restaurant menus when there are downtown shows and events can complement regular menus.

Maybe the presence of Pete and Penny Penguin and other YSU teams and personnel can be part of downtown promotions on occasion.

Maybe making sure the thoroughfares leading into the city are well lit and paved should be more of a priority.

The “maybes” are limitless. They need to be discussed, thought through and executed based on need, availability and interest.

Maybe more is needed to reboot our center city (and surrounding area) than a wristband and designated plastic cup.

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.