Youngstown City Council is standing in solidarity, after formally passing a resolution opposing the waste-to-energy plant that is working to move into the city.

It was a room full of concerned neighbors who continue to say they don't want the plant in their backyards.

"This is an environmental justice issue and we can not allow a pyrolysis plant to set up shop here in this community," said Jessica Conard, Appalachia Director with Beyond Plastics.

"With Ohio Edison, it was an outcry from the community," explained Julius Oliver, First Ward Councilman. "It's the same with SOBE. It was an outcry from the community that's saying we don't want this."

While the legislation does not have actionable power, it does sound the alarm to the EPA as the company awaits its final permits.

"The next step is to make sure all the state agencies know that the city is against this," Limbian explained. "And that it's now a matter of the zoning board to make some determinations about whether or not it can pass through the city agencies."

Several members of the public spoke out about focusing on zoning regulations moving forward that could put a stop to SOBE's plans. 

Council received applause as they unanimously passed the resolution.

Council narrowly passed amended ordinance legislation regarding speed camera enforcement in the city.

"The legislation is the same as it was before but for a few procedural issues so that the court feels more comfortable processing and hearing any appeals that come before it," Limbian said to 21 News. 

The item would change the process of the appeal process regarding speeding tickets in school zones, including raising court costs. Court officials are reviewing the changes.

It will also take a bit more time for community center plans to get moving at New Bethel Baptist Church as Councilman Oliver is working to apply APR funds to create the space. They must apply for a 501C3 to legally be able to use the funds.

"I think council wants to proceed with an abundance of caution that this doesn't violate any state or federal laws," Limbian explained. 

"The money isn't going to a church specifically," Oliver explained. "It's going to a separate 501c3 that's not going to have religious affiliations or are going to be discriminatory in any way towards any group of people."

The idea was moved to a second reading for further consideration.

Council did not approve legislation that would have used $2 million dollars for repairs to the Covelli Centre's roof, along with roof repairs at the Youngstown Traffic Sign and Signal building.