The deconstruction of Warren's Summit Street dam has been years in the making. 

 

Removal takes millions of dollars and months to do properly. 

 

The low head dams once served to pool water for industry and agriculture in the past, but are no longer needed.

 

In addition they can be deadly.

 

The surface of the water can look calm, yet the downward force can suck vessels with people in them, or swimmers toward the dam, then suck them under, and keep churning. 

 

"They're known as drowning machines because if you get stuck in there you drown," said Attorney Joe Schiavoni. 

 

In 2011 then State Senator Joe Schiavoni and state lawmakers from our region began a push to obtain funds to remove the dangerous dams.

 

It was May 3, 2020 four years ago when Lisa Zitello (Salcedo), was kayaking on the Mahoning River.

 

The undercurrent pulled her over a ten foot foot waterfall, her kayak capsized and was caught in the current at the Summit Street Dam. 

 

"She was a great person, she was an artistic person, a creative person, a kind person," Schiavoni said. 

 

For four years she has been in a nursing home on a ventilator and recently passed away.

 

Her husband Brent and two sons hope no one will ever have to experience the loss and pain they have due to a preventable drowing at a dangerous low-head dam, which is a man-made barrier.

 

They are glad the process of deconstruction of that dam is finally happening.

 

"I know they're very happy that it's happening, but it's very bittersweet for them because it's happening at the same time she actually died. And so this just happened last week where she actually passed away, so they are planning the funeral," Schivavoni emphasized. 

 

The Lowellville and Struthers dams were removed in 2020 and 2021. 

 

Three dams in Trumbull and three dams in Mahoning County are in the process of being removed. 

 

The largest dam in Girard will be removed last.

 

Attorney Schiavoni tells 21 news the low-head man made dams are being removed in other communities, and states across our country because they can be deadly and removal helps the river ecosystems.