Youngstown City Council passed and ordinance on Wednesday to allocate $8 Million of American Rescue Plan money for new housing construction.

"We will be in the community to meet with residents," Beverly Hosey, Youngstown's Community Development Director said, "We will be talking with our city council people to see what's going on in each of the different wards." 

The city still needs to evaluate the type of housing needed, and what land is available.

Some council members say this designation should've happened when the city received the ARP money in 2021.

"I'm happy that we are doing this now, but we are behind the ball on this" councilwoman Samantha Turner said. 

Depending on the project's financial demand, council could approve more funding where needed.

Hosey said the work on this is just getting started. 

Council also passed legislation to conduct a feasibility study on weather or not the city could offer their own ambulance service. This comes as the contract ends with Emergency Medical Transport at the end of 2025.

Councilman Jimmy Hughes was the only member to vote the effort down, as he thinks its not the best way to use city dollars. He said he doesn't think a study is needed. 

Hughes said he doesn't think the city would be able to afford paying outside companies a few years down the road, and they don't have the money to start their own service.

This study will not exceed $65,000.