WARREN, Ohio – The building of single-family homes at the former site of the old Emerson Elementary School marks the beginning of a new chapter for Trumbull Neighborhood Partnership.
“After 15 years of remediating blight and pursuing home ownership through the renovation of vacant properties, today marks the start of a new era as we break ground on the construction of four new single family homes,” TNP Executive Director Matt Martin said Tuesday morning at a ceremonial groundbreaking.
The organization began work in 2010 with 1,500 vacant houses across the city.
“Real estate values were near rock bottom, and it got worse before it got better, but it has gotten better,” he said. “Through all of our hard work and hundreds of renovations and demolitions later, our community is now at the point where we’re ready to build new and that is really something to celebrate.”
City and county officials and residents attended the event at Drexel Avenue Northwest and Moncrest Drive Northwest. Earlier this year, the Warren City School District donated the parcel to the Western Reserve Port Authority and the WRPA’s board of directors sold it to TNP for $500 plus closing costs.
“Through the Welcome Home Ohio program, TNP and the Trumbull County Land Bank are able to add these new units of quality housing for working families right here on the northwest side of Warren, on the site where the former Emerson School once stood, and in the middle of a proud and stable neighborhood,” Martin said.
The homes will be sold to four owner-occupants at the market rate and help families to build wealth, plant roots and contribute to the long-term health of the neighborhood, he said.
Sam Lamancusa, Trumbull County treasurer, pointed to the hard work of the teams at the land bank and the treasurer’s office for bringing the project to fruition.
“I’m extremely proud of our program, and I know that the program will continue to grow, continue to be successful,” he said of the land bank.
Mayor Doug Franklin said the project signifies growth, renewal and the continual strengthening of the community.
“This development isn’t just about building houses,” he said. “It’s about offering new opportunities for families to plant roots, to invest in our city and to contribute to the quality of life of our community and this neighborhood. These homes will be an attractive addition designed to complement the existing character of the northwest neighborhood and to also enhance its appeal.”
Joe Koch Construction of Austintown is the contractor for the project. Martin credited several individuals and organizations that helped coordinate and contributed to the project including the Raymond John Wean Foundation.
Construction of the new homes is part of a new vision for TNP, he said.
“These homes are part of a vision to reimagine vacant land, reinvest in our neighborhoods, return opportunity to our community,” Martin said. “We’re not just building houses, we’re building a better Warren.”
Pictured at top: Warren Councilman Todd Johnson, D-1st; Matt Martin, executive director of Trumbull Neighborhood Partnership; and Warren Mayor Doug Franklin pose Tuesday morning at a ceremonial groundbreaking for four single-family homes being built where Emerson Elementary School was.