Initial Findings of Columbiana Downtowns Study Released

LEETONIA, Ohio – The initial findings of a study on the business conditions in Columbiana County’s walkable downtowns were released Monday. 

During the Columbiana County Port Authority Board of Directors meeting at the Global Investment Hub, Brittany Smith, assistant executive director of the port authority, reported on the first phase of the study being conducted by Town Center Associates. 

The report highlighted the business conditions of the seven walkable downtowns in the county, including what types of businesses were located in each town and how many vacancies existed.

The study showed 592 units across the downtowns, with 124 of those vacant. Of those vacancies, only six are being advertised for sale, with two up for lease, according to Smith.

A business conditions workshop with the seven communities will be held at 11 a.m. Oct. 30 at the port authority’s offices in Lisbon for discussion on the findings. Smith said each community will have the opportunity to hear from Town Center Associates about trends across the country. 

Each community will also be given access to a community-specific website to help advertise its available properties and monitor its downtown business conditions. 

“We are excited to bring our communities together and hear more about the findings,” Smith said. 

Smith also updated the board on the status of a contract signed earlier this year with Woolpert Inc. to evaluate options for the proposed Greenway Trail extension, connecting Lisbon to East Liverpool.

Preliminary findings of the study were recently received, and Smith reported the challenges of finding a feasible route included landscapes with steep slopes, narrow roads and a mix of rural and semi-urban environments.

The biggest challenge, however, is Little Beaver Creek’s designation as a wild and scenic river, which restricts construction and development along the waterway. 

“After reviewing several alternative corridors, the preferred alignment would follow the local roadway network from Lisbon to East Liverpool,” Smith told the board. 

Although the final study has not yet been received, Smith said they would expect the Columbiana County Park District to work closely with Woolpert Inc. in reviewing this alternative and discussing funding options for implementing it. 

A meet and greet with Lake to River Economic Development staff will be held at 10 a.m. Oct. 30 at the port authority offices.

Smith said all communities and the Lake to River staff will be invited so introductions can be made. 

“We are looking forward to giving our communities the opportunity to meet our new economic development partner,” she told the board.

The board approved resolutions regarding several leases held by various businesses on port authority properties, including renewals of those held by Mitsubishi, Portage County Combined Health District W.I.C. and Paragon, with no changes.

A lease with Humtown Pattern was adjusted after the company vacated 46,600 square feet in the industrial building at 600 Cherry Avenue, Leetonia. 

Humtown recently purchased a building in Boardman for its operations but will continue to lease 24,797 square feet in the Leetonia location at $9,246.42 per month for packing purposes.

Penny Traina, executive director of the port authority, said this change now leaves the 46,600 square feet available for rent. She pointed out that Humtown started its operations in the port authority building with one machine and has outgrown the space with 13 machines.

A lease was approved with a new tenant, Tri State Tool & Hoist, which is renting 1,480 square feet in the Leetonia industrial building for $558.64 per month.

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