YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - Youngstown is once again exploring new ideas for downtown development along the Mahoning River. The demolition of an old eyesore has opened up acres of land that Mayor John McNally would like to see put to good use.

Mayor McNally said demolition of the former Wean building provides a new opportunity to revisit the idea of a possible amphitheater and other riverfront development.

"As you come downtown, over the Market Street bridge, you certainly see all that land that is available for development on both sides of the Market Street bridge," said McNally.

The cleared land now stretches from the South Avenue bridge to west of the Market Street bridge. McNally said the city will be asking for qualifications from companies for design work and architectural proposals.

"To design, not only an amphitheater type facility near the Covelli Centre, but also greening of the property," said McNally. "We're hoping that people would just submit some random thoughts to us on what they would like to see down there as well."

The Mayor feels Youngstown would benefit from having some open green space downtown and possibly a river walk.

"I think our immediate goal though might be for a walkway that connects us up towards the B&O and into the Mill Creek Park area," said McNally.

Funding is yet to be decided, but McNally thinks the city will explore grant opportunities with groups like Mill Creek Park and Friends of the Mahoning River.

"And other groups like that, where we might be able to start the process of beginning to put money together for this project," said McNally.

The former Wean Corporation land was gifted to the city.