City of Niles receives $50,000 to assist in modernizing zoning in city

The City of Niles has received $50,000 from the Ohio Department of Development to help the city modernize its zoning code.

This is part of $1.5 million in grants to help 20 counties modernized outdated zoning regulations and pave the way for new housing development.

Niles Mayor Steve Mientkiewcz told 21 News these efforts have been part of the city's comprehensive plan for some time now and that a lot of the city's zoning code is outdated and not conducive to the way modern neighborhoods are developed.

Specific areas of necessary improvements in the ways neighborhoods are developed include changes to things like square footage, setbacks, parking and the overall appearance of a structure.

"Zoning regulations can shape the future of a community - for better or for worse. By helping our local partners modernize these policies, we're giving them the tools to attract investment, remove barriers to housing and support long-term growth that fits the needs of their residents," said Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik.

This funding comes from the Department of Development's Housing Technical Assistance Program, which provides grants to support local governments in their efforts to upgrade zoning codes and processes in their communities.