Regional group launches online tool to help plan for sustainable communities
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - The Northeast Ohio Sustainable Communities Consortium (NEOSCC) wants to know how you think the region can become more vibrant.
The board launched an interactive online tool called the Conditions and Trends Platform during its meeting at the Covelli Centre on Tuesday.
The study looks at existing conditions of economic development, the environment, housing and transportation.
It's a way to help residents and elected officials look at challenges and research solutions for the future.
The study found the region has lost about 7% of its population since 1970, but people are using a lot more land now. "It's interesting to look at that and see and think about how we're paying for infrastructure for that land, how we're paying to develop that land, and what is it that we are leaving behind," said Jeff Anderle, NEOSCC Manager of Communications and Engagement.
The board is hosting meetings and traveling tours across the region and made the first stop in Youngstown.
The group took a tour of what Youngstown has been able to do with revitalization efforts in the Idora Neighborhood and downtown.
NEOSCC is made up of 32 organizations from the region. This three-year planning effort to revitalize the 12 counties is largely funded by a federal grant.
Click here for a link to this online tool.
