YNDC Releases Second Quarter Performance Report

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – James has lived in his home for eight years. His roof was full of holes and the leaks were causing numerous issues throughout the home, including a bathroom full of pigeons.

James is one of many people who received assistance from the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corp. during the second quarter of 2023. YNDC replaced his roof and installed a furnace and a hot water tank, improving his quality of life and making it possible for his family to stay in their home.

YNDC recently released its second quarter performance report, highlighting the work the organization has done in the area between April and June. 

In addition to James, who was identified in the report by only his first name, the organization also helped with repairs for many other owner-occupied homes. It replaced 42 roofs and completed 36 emergency repair projects.

In the year-to-date revitalization review, the organization has boarded 22 vacant houses, removed 527 tires, cleared 2,089 cubic yards of debris, scraped 10,385 linear feet of sidewalks and made 90 emergency repairs. 

The organization also had 230 volunteers, making up 920 volunteer hours, and 82 new clients enrolled in housing counseling. 

In the second quarter, 18 tires were removed, 8,400 linear feet of sidewalks were scraped and 2,483 grass cuts were made.

YNDC has received many grants and awards. Recently it was awarded a Community Revitalization Award from the Mahoning Valley Historical Society as part of its annual Historic Preservation Awards. The award was presented to YNDC for the renovation of 3711 Glenwood Ave., a historic four unit apartment building constructed in 1926.

Eleven grants were awarded to the organization during the quarter, totaling $1,739,109.

Seventy-one new clients enrolled in housing counseling. In real estate development, three vacant units were acquired for rehabilitation. Two were rehabilitated. 

This spring, YNDC’s team, partners and community volunteers planted a total of 139 2-inch caliper trees in parks and greenspaces throughout Youngstown as part of Youngstown TreeCorps. An additional 112 trees will be planted this fall in partnership with multiple neighborhood groups and community organizations.

In June, YNDC began conducting a citywide property condition survey in partnership with the city of Youngstown. The survey is done every two years to analyze housing and property conditions and vacancy in every neighborhood, evaluating the progress that is being made.

Glenwood Fresh Market is one of these successes. A total of $69,700 of fresh fruits and vegetables were distributed to 1935 community members and 1059 unique households.

YNDC’s community engagement and organizing team, in partnership with the Glenwood Neighbors, organized a successful campaign to compel One Health Ohio to return the former Bottom Dollar grocery store building on Glenwood Avenue. The building has sat vacant since the store closed in 2014.

On June 15, the city of Youngstown formally approved the purchase of the property from One Health. It will identify a new use for the building that aligns with community priorities.

Pictured at top: The newly renovated apartment building at 3711 Glenwood Ave. YNDC received a Community Revitalization Award from the Mahoning Valley Historical Society for the project.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.