Niles to break ground next week on $3.5 million Downtown Riverfront Project

NILES The city of Niles will hold a groundbreaking ceremony next week for its $3.5 million Downtown Riverfront Revitalization Project. The ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. Aug. 1 on the site of the future "Niles Public Square," formerly the Robbins Theater.

The project, entirely funded by the Appalachian Community Grant Program, includes two main components: Niles Public Square and Riverside Park.

The public square will be located at the former Robbins Theater site, while Riverside Park, featuring a canoe and kayak launch, will be at the corner of First and Brown streets.

The initiative is part of a larger regional effort to transform downtown areas along the Mahoning River throughout the Mahoning Valley.

Mayor Steve Mientkiewicz will be joined by city council members, various city officials, and representatives from the state of Ohio and Eastgate Regional Council of Governments. The Niles community is being encouraged to attend.