AUSTINTOWN, Ohio - Plans are moving forward to breathe new life into the former Youngstown Developmental Center in Austintown.

 

Thursday, Mahoning County Commissioners voted to transfer up to $75,000 to the Western Reserve Port Authority for inspecting the property.

 

Some of the plans for the campus include adult daycare, veterans outreach, a program for adults with autism, and respite care.

 

Officials say there is a need for this property to provide new social services and expand already existing programs.

 

"There's absolutely a need because there are many people in Mahoning County with disabilities that are in substandard housing and there's a need for some of these programs, and instead of us building new facilities, retrofitting facilities, we have a beautiful campus there with housing specifically developed for this population. It only makes sense," said Duane Piccirilli, Executive Director of the Mahoning County Mental Health and Recovery Board.

 

"There is a definite need in the Valley to have the most underserved population helped. I mean, we're looking at autistic, elders, young people, everyone that is underserved. Putting in a daycare, respite care for the elderly or respite care for those with disabilities that a family could bring their loved one there for a weekend to get a break or go shopping or do something," explained Commissioner Carol Rimedio-Righetti.

 

Money has been requested from the state, but if that doesn't happen, she said that commissioners are looking to take on the property themselves.

 

Already Rimedio-Righetti said there are six agencies with a commitment to use the space, including Easter Seals, Compass, and Meridian.

 

"There are many moving parts to the YDC project, but we are confident that it's going to work," she said.

 

She hopes by 2020, the facility will be up and running.