Columbiana continues to see growth and efforts for more business
The city of Columbiana continues to see more growth after reporting an increase in population from the 2020 census.
As the Youngstown Business Journal first reported, Firestone Farms is requesting a tax abatement to build a second $10-million TownCentre building.
This new site would include business space, a rooftop restaurant and apartments among other new attractions.
Columbiana residents and young entrepreneurs said they're thrilled to see the new attractions in the city while some residents still hope to keep the small-town feel as the growth continues.
"The entertainment on Saturday nights... It's free!" Columbiana resident Carol Friedman said, "We don't have to go to Boardman Park to watch the music. We can see music up here."
Columbiana resident Tom Friedman said, "As long as it doesn't skyrocket...Controlled growth would be great."
One young entrepreneur said the recent growth is a motivator to keep his photography business here.
"As being a graduate of South Range, it's kind of cool to see how Columbiana has changed over the years and to be able to be a part of this area," Owner of Bentley Studios of Columbiana, Liam Abrigg said, "It's crazy to be out here on a weekend and there are three-four thousand people here all hanging out, being together, supporting local businesses."
The boom continues as Firestone Homestead LLC has plans to construct another multi-million dollar building adjacent to the existing TownCentre building off routes 7 and 14. This would bring more new businesses as well as keep the city's historical tradition alive with plans to build replicas of Henry Ford and Thomas Edison's childhood homes to rent.
Columbiana City Manager Lance Willard said, "The City of Columbiana is excited and honored that the Firestone Homestead LLC wants to invest over $10-million in the community. It will further add to the quality of life and vibrancy of the city. The second project, which is the construction of two replicas will remind us of the history of Columbiana."
"I think I'll always be in Columbiana and call it my home," Abrigg said.
