YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - There's a collaboration of sorts going on in the Valley. It's an effort to turn vacant properties and empty building back into thriving businesses. The effort's most recent focus, the former McGuffey Plaza on Youngstown's east side.

For the last eight years, McGuffey Plaza has been a vacant 22-acre lot. The former central hub had various shops, supermarkets, a bowling alley, as well as McGuffey Mall, one of the last-standing structures demoed in 2013.

Western Reserve Port Authority executive director Anthony Trevena calls it the perfect opportunity.

"When developers are looking for a place to develop, they want to be close to the workforce. They want to be in a community that has nice freeway access, and they want large attractive land.", he said.

The old plaza filling in all those blanks. The land was purchased for $162,250 and will have to be cleared and cleaned before it's marketed.

Sean MacMillan of the Youngstown-Warren Regional Chamber's helps to seek out potential developers, believes this is a prime spot for industrial, manufacturing or distribution

"It's proximity to U.S. 422 and U.S. 62, I think it's a great opportunity for fulfillment opportunities.", the Economic Director of Development added.

The Port Authority has also been active on the city's west side, having just sold Dave's Auto Parts to Voyager Specialty Coffee and Teas, and recently buying Clark's Bar, both properties on Mahoning Avenue.