YOUNGSTOWN - YOUNGSTOWN A Mahoning County judge has finalized the sale of the former Chill Can property on the city's East Side, officially ending a long-running legal dispute.

Judge John Durkin's order, issued Wednesday, gives the City of Youngstown full approval to own the 10-acre property and its three buildings. The city had placed the winning bid of $1,379,580 at a sheriff's auction in February.

The court's decision means the City of Youngstown now has immediate control of the property at 26 South Phelps Street. The Mahoning County Sheriff will also officially transfer ownership to the city through a deed.

The judge's order also ensures that several financial claims and legal judgments previously made against the property, including those from 2022 and 2023, are now cleared.

The court also laid out how the money from the sale will be divided. After paying for various court and sale-related expenses, the City of Youngstown will receive $1,369,071.99. MS Consultants, the company that originally sued, will get $2,150 for its court costs, and the City of Youngstown will receive an additional $500 for its own court costs.

Because Youngstown chose to buy the property under a specific state law (Ohio Revised Code 5722.21), any unpaid taxes or fees on the property will remain. If the city sells the property later, those outstanding amounts will need to be paid in full at that time.

The court also confirmed that M.J. Joseph Development Corp. still owes the City of Youngstown money. While the city was initially owed $1.5 million, which grew to $1,600,900 by February 18, 2025, the sale proceeds still leave an unpaid balance of $231,828.01. The court has ordered M.J. Joseph to pay this remaining amount, plus 3% interest each year starting from Feb. 18, 2025.

The ruling is a major step for Youngstown, which has been trying to gain control of the property since the self-chilling beverage can project failed to launch. City leaders have indicated they plan to redevelop the site, though their exact plans are still being worked out.