Proposal to revitalize Salem in hands of council - 21 News Now, More Local News for Youngstown, Ohio -

SALEM, Ohio - A plan to revitalize downtown Salem is now in the hands of city council.

For the past several months, more than 100 residents have been working to create a plan they say will put Salem back on the map in just 24 months.

The solution to renovate downtown Salem consists of 33 proposed measures that were presented to council Tuesday evening.

The plan calls for increased parking, green space and downtown residential areas, all without becoming a financial burden to the city.

"We're asking a lot. We're asking people to jump outside of the box and to consider things that are difficult to consider," said Scott Cahill, Organizer of the Salem Technical Advisory Committee.

The group recommended using a non-profit entity to serve as a business incubator. The incubator will help create businesses and fill empty store fronts.

By suggesting building codes are reduced to the minimum, while still maintaining safety, the group said any needed upgrades will be less expensive for business owners.

To help with the overall cost of development, the group recommends the city pitch in. They propose the money come from a tax of about $100 per resident.

"The return on that investment is expediential, when you consider income, from the income taxes that will be charged for the occupants, for the businesses," Cahill said.

The group said if the occupancy rate of downtown increased from the now 15 percent to a target rate of 70 percent, then property values in the downtown could increase by nearly 600 percent. An ultimate goal they believe could be accomplished in just two years.

Following the meeting, council did not make any immediate decisions. Council President Mickey Cope Weaver told 21 News she hopes action is taken quickly.

"I think it could set a precedence for many other communities around the state of Ohio that have been so hard hit over the years," Weaver said. "It's going to take a village to do it."