When can the area around the Realty Building reopen?

Demolition crews are still working on bringing down the Realty Building. Surrounding the construction zone is International Towers apartments and businesses who have not been able to reopen their doors.

Mayor Tito Brown, said although there are no set dates on when these buildings will reopen, a plan has already been set up for when they can.

Mark Canzonetta, owner of Bistro 1907,  still has concerns about how construction will affect business in downtown.

"It's going to take time to bring back consumer confidence in downtown Youngstown," said Canzonetta. 

Hotel management told Canzonetta the hotel and Bistro 1907 can reopen Aug. 19, but because of the construction and rebranding, he isn't reopening the restaurant until the end of September.

"I just want some of the road construction, barriers taken down and things like that so when we open back up as the next restaurant, we want our customers to feel like it's back to normal again," said Canzonetta.

International Towers Residents are also unsure when they can go home. One resident told 21 news International tower management gave him a target date that residents can return home  of Aug. 16 or Aug 17. But other residents said they haven't heard anything from management.

"Everything's up in the air so far, and everybody got their own scenarios," said Patrick Wells, International Towers resident.

Mayor Tito Brown said he doesn't know when the buildings surrounding Realty will be able to reopen, but said there is a plan put in place. 

United Way met with city leaders Monday morning to discuss plans for residents to move back in. The process is expected to take days.

"We got a communication process set up. If I found at 8:00 a.m. or p.m., we will send send out a text message and send our social service agencies to get ready, our transportation, and it will be in different days and phases to get them back home," said Brown.

Brown said whether or not surrounding buildings can reopen will be decided day by day. 

"I just want some of the road construction, barriers taken down and things like that so when we open back up as the next restaurant, we want our customers to feel like it’s back to normal again," said Brown

Crews are working on moving the fire escape away from International Towers. Brown said he has been in regular contact with the contractor and demolition crew to see what progress is being done.