Father Ed Commentary: The Reality of Realty

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – I do believe in miracles. In our lifetimes, we probably all have experiences that made us walk away, scratch our heads and ask in amazement, “What just happened?”

I do believe in miracles. Remember the Warner Theater/Powers Auditorium situation in September1968? But it looks like there will be no miracle to save the Realty Tower.

I would like to share a few thoughts. First off, much of the undercurrent that has gone on for the past month is not known to me. So I have to make that clear. My personal feelings are that we missed a HUGE opportunity to gather as a community, seek outside guidance and rally folks who are interested in the city. As a downtown resident, downtown is my neighborhood. I want the best for my city and the surrounding valley. And finally, born here, I am proud of our history and the many people who call Y-Town MY TOWN. It’s home and I love it!

That said, I am confident that phones, texts and emails LIT UP over this past weekend concerning the picture that accompanies this reflection. What struck me is the passion of folks who wondered why a month went by without meaningful discussion about the tragedy.

This consternation was accompanied by major concern that we don’t lose our downtown momentum. Comments were made that we have a less-than-stellar downtown history of tearing down buildings with the promise that what would happen post-demolition would not be a parking lot. More than a few folks have said, “The Youngstown smile has many missing teeth (and spaces).”

The reaction in the last two weeks about all that surrounds the Realty Tower has been quite amazing. I am truly humbled by the many personal comments, emails and texts that end with “How can we help?? We have come so far!”

Again, I do believe in miracles. But if the dye is cast, I don’t think we want to see the energy dissipate. It’s time to call in the reinforcements, all of them. It’s time to ramp up the discussion and do things like send a contingent to visit neighboring cities such as Akron, Canton and Erie, Pa., to learn from their successes and challenges. It’s time to hold meaningful discussions with stakeholders and downtown businesses. Meaningful discussions on several sites at different times. One time publi meetings often mandated for projects, in my opinion, are not enough.

I was surprised and encouraged this past weekend as folks brought up ideas that were truly out-of-the-box in regard to the downtown.

Besides being grateful for the progress made by individuals and businesses who have invested in our city, a comment was made that it’s time to truly wed downtown with YSU by cleaning up the hillside along Commerce Street where overgrown weeds are mistaken for trees. Trim the actual trees, plant ground cover and “open up” the view from both sides

Another said that maybe the police department could be the major tenant of the parking deck on Boardman and Champion streets with police vehicles on the first floor and personnel parking in the basement level (and public parking on the top floors). Of course, this proposal would be predicated on necessary repair work to the former community college site. This needed work has been needed and bogged down in legal ramifications for way too long. After all, we have federal government money and extraordinary times call for extraordinary actions.                                                                                                                     

I received many comments from people who wondered if part of the Chill -Can property could be used for city vehicle storage and maintenance.                                                                                                                                   

With other major, historic buildings on Central Square, some commented that the owners and tenants should engage in conversation about the best marketing and the best use for the wonderful edifices there.                                                        

As far as the restaurants, coordinated promotions and marketing should occur when there are major events downtown and at YSU. We need to welcome people downtown to enjoy food as well as the scheduled entertainment, sports and educational events.                                                                                                 

It was more than encouraging when folks spoke of Stambaugh Auditorium as part of the downtown neighborhood. In addition, the draw to one the nation’s best downtown YMCAs was offered up as another major partner to engage in serious conversation as well as the two art museums on Wick Avenue.

There was a plethora of comments about the Mahoning River being cleaned up and the potential of the Covelli Centre, Wean Park and the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre, all of which have drawn us closer to the river that brought John Young here in the 1790s. It might be time to use these wonderful spaces for all the gatherings, festivals and other cultural activities that began when downtown was nearly devoid of people and businesses. In recent years, many have said these worthwhile events clogged our downtown space. One told me, “Let downtown be downtown!”

Others mentioned the influx of new downtown residents and workers, most notably in the former Cedar’s restaurant building and at the Steelite corporate headquarters near Powers Auditorium. Many of these newcomers are young, college educated individuals. What a wealth of interest and ideas could come from them if they were invited to a table of discussion.

WE CAN DO THIS has to be the starting point. The lack of communication from some leaders continues and the constant harangue, “Oh it won’t work!” is detrimental to progress.

The recent rallying call and challenge from Scott Schulick and others was met with serious interest from dedicated people who have various interests and commitments to downtown and YSU.

Several weeks ago, just days after the tragic explosion of May 28, several hundred folks descended on downtown for the annual spruce up, clean up, trim and plant StreetScape 2024. The annual event has grown significantly. Folks from all over come to lend a hand and show support for the core of the largest city in Mahoning County. They were there in force reminding us of the commitment – grit, some say – of our community.

The reality of the Realty situation may not be the end many or most wanted. BUT the reality of what the Realty Tower stood for, namely the repurposing of our downtown, is a reality needed more than ever.

Editor’s Note: The author, Edward P. Noga, is the retired pastor of St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church in Youngstown.

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.