LOWELLVILLE, Ohio - Four years after the Village of Lowellville celebrated the removal of its Mahoning River Dam and the opening of its riverfront park, Mayor James Iudiciani has noted significant economic growth, saying the changes are promising.

Dam removal has spurred a renewed interest in Lowellville and its revitalized park area. According to the mayor, park-goers have been particularly enjoying the canoe launch. Mahoning County Paddle and Peddle has also recently purchased a building near the water to bring their own excursions to the riverfront.

"We're seeing an uptick in all the river activity and soon we're going to see it in the park activity," Mayor Iudiciani told 21 News.

The roughly $5 million project originally began over 10 years ago, funded almost entirely by grants. A $2.8 million grant from the Ohio EPA began the endeavor, followed by a $1.1 million grant from the Eastgate Regional Council Government and the Mahoning County Commissioners, according to Iudiciani. The $1.1 million grant is still being used to complete the parks side of the project. 

Private donors have also stepped up in the past several years to help build up Lowellville's economy. Iudiciani said investors and developers like local Ray Carlson and Sky Roofing Owner Matt Estephan have plunged into Lowellville's economy wholeheartedly.

"Here we are in 2025 and it's finally come to fruition you know," Iudiciani said. "And it's taken a lot of people, a lot of work, a lot of teamwork. But we're pretty proud of it and it's really helping our businesses in Lowellville in growth and people are starting to recognize us as a destination and it's a beautiful thing."

This was just the first of nine dam removal projects across the Mahoning and Trumbull counties. Since its removal in 2021, four more dams — Warren, Struthers and Leavittsburg — have also been demolished.

Lowellville's riverfront park is set to be fully completed by spring of 2026. 

"Pretty proud of it. Got a little ways to go," Iudiciani said. "Come visit Lowellville. We're here."

 

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