YOUNGSTOWN -

A guided bus tour focusing attention on the economic development took place on Youngstown's south side.

 

"We have gathered 80 VIP guests to see some of the hot spots on the south side of Youngstown. Jon Howell said we want to accent and highlight the goodness going on in the neighborhood.

 

The Youngstown Neighborhood Development Cooperation or YNDC has focused on long-term development.

 

The Bernard Street housing development at the Glenwood corridor is meant to stimulate more investment.

 

"We're standing by two newly constructed duplexes that we're just wrapping up on Glennwood Avenue, so these will be affordable external units, new quality housing we are adding to the corridor," Ian Beniston, Executive Director of Youngstown Neighborhood Association, said.

 

The Youngstown Renaissance Bus Tour featured six stops where seeds of revitalization, and economic development, are taking root.

 

Including the Oak Hill Collaborative which helps entrepreneurs begin businesses, and teaches classes on technology, and Saint Patrick Church a multicultural parish that helps enrich the spiritual life and hosts community events.

A third location, the Ford Nature Center, offers educational interactive nature exhibits for all ages.

 

And the Youngstown Playhouse, which has a 100-year legacy of live and community theater.

 

One of the last stops was at Glenwood Grounds Coffee, which opened in 2022 in a historic building, where there is more brewing than the aroma of freshly ground coffee freshly ground coffee, and freshly made soups. 

 

All are open for every one from anywhere to enjoy. 

 

"I just ask people if you haven't, kind of break out of your bubble. Come check out what's here. A lot is going on along the corridor and on the south side," Beniston emphasized.