Property located at 8048 South Avenue across the street from Select Specialty Hospital in Boardman received approval for a zoning change from general business to multi-family residential.
 
Pivotal Housing Partners wants to develop a 50-unit four story apartment complex for people 55 and older.
 
Pivotal already received approval for a zoning change for four parcels of land, but after finding a gas well on the property they had to buy more land in order to develop the project because there are mandatory setbacks near gas wells.
 
Many residents from Boardman attended the township's meeting to find out more and ask questions.
 
Most residents are worrying about their property values, the quality of the project and whether this project is strictly for people with low incomes.
 
"We will be targeting 80% adjusted median income and under. We also have a criminal background check as part of that, as well as the credit check and rental application," Senior Vice President of Development Midwest Region MVAH Partners Pete Schwiegeraht said.
 
Other folks worry about flooding and traffic with more development.
 
"They have to follow the Mahoning County water criteria manual and make sure they don't increase any flooding in the area. All the storm water will be treated. There are buffers and set backs. There are planting requirements, there's building and facade requirements. There are lighting requirements to make sure lighting doesn't spill over onto the adjacent property,"  Interim Zoning Director Marilyn Sferra Kenner said. 
 
Trustees approved the zoning change that the Zoning Board had recommended.
 
The Chairman of the board says Pivotal is building a complex in Liberty and has a history in this specialty. 
 
"This developer - if you go online - they've got a great track record, and they don't seem to have a lot of issues and complaints with their other developments, and projects," Chairman of Boardman Township Trustees Tom Costello said. 
 
The development company says it owns 10,000 units in 16 states and keeps it's properties long term. 
 
If Pivotal secures financing, project construction could begin at the end of 2023.