YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – This edition of The Business Journal arrives as the Mahoning Valley – particularly the downtown Youngstown community – marks a grim anniversary.

It was one year ago – May 28, 2024 – that a natural gas explosion rocked Realty Tower and surrounding buildings, killing one man, injuring several others and sending residents and workers into the streets.

The aftermath lingers for the injured, their families and that of the deceased, and the community.

The explosion left nearby downtown businesses closed for weeks and forced the evacuation of the adjacent International Towers over fears that the historic Realty building might collapse.

The razing of the damaged structure began two months later, sending the residents of its 23 apartments scrambling for new homes. It also drew the ire of some community leaders and historic preservationists who wanted to save the building.

Downtown hospitality establishments and other businesses that already had been struggling with the aftereffects of the pandemic and road construction faced further hardships because of the explosion.

Efforts by private entities such as 717 Federal Credit Union and the creation of the designated  outdoor refreshment area have helped to spur a comeback. But many customers had already found other places to go for nightlife. Getting them to return to downtown has been a tough sell.

Parking – and the perceived lack of it – remains an impediment.

The city has promised a marketing plan as well as other assistance for downtown businesses, but the plan has yet to be delivered.

And the flat, gravel lot at East Federal and Market streets where Realty Tower once stood remains a scar on downtown, as principals with the owners, YO Properties 47 LLC and LY Property Management, evaluate market conditions. It’s a situation that city officials can’t allow to continue indefinitely.

The various lawsuits that have been filed over the blast and the lack of a conclusion from the National Transportation Safety Board are complicating the issue.

But a plan needs to be outlined for the property – and soon. Youngstown, its residents and its central business district deserve no less.