LIBERTY TWP, Ohio - A Trumbull County developer is moving forward with another large housing project as local leaders brace for what they said could be a growing housing shortage tied to major job growth across the Valley.

Altobelli Real Estate and Home and Land Developers have launched a new expansion inside the Kline’s Farm development in Liberty Township.

The project includes 32 new single-story homes that will be built around Potters Circle.

Crews recently completed public infrastructure work to clear the way for construction.

This is the second new development announced by the company in just one month. In October, Altobelli revealed plans for another 32 homes at Maplewood Estates in Girard.

Jason Altobelli, a broker with Altobelli Real Estate, said the biggest challenge in bringing new housing to the market has been securing the infrastructure needed for long-term growth.

“The main thing is getting the infrastructure in place. We can want all the houses we possibly could want, but we have to really focus our efforts locally on creating new infrastructure for areas of opportunity to grow,” Altobelli said, “That is essential.”

The Liberty homes will feature customizable designs and smaller, low-maintenance lots.

Developers estimate the 32-home buildout will take five to seven years to complete.

“Expanding housing options is vital to the Valley’s long-term strength. When there is investment in attainable, well-planned housing, it supports our efforts to grow the population, strengthens the region’s economic competitiveness and advances the growth that keeps the Valley moving forward," Lyle Huffman, executive vice president of Government Affairs & Community Impact, Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber said, "We’re proud to support efforts that help the region grow and thrive. And we congratulate Jason Altobelli for his leadership in moving this project forward -- a quality investment that reflects his commitment to shaping the future of the region.”
 

Trumbull County Commissioner Rick Hernandez said the timing is critical as several major employers expand in the region.

Companies including Kimberly-Clark, Mercy Health in Champion, Foxconn, Amazon and Graphite One are expected to bring thousands of new workers by the end of 2026.

“When you factor in an additional 2,500 to 3,000 employees, you can do the math," Hernandez said, "You are going to need a major amount of homes." 

He added that providing modern housing will require continued investment in sewer, water, electric and gas infrastructure, which he said the county is working to address with state and regional partners.

Altobelli said the Liberty project will also pave the way for about 60 additional villa-style condos planned for a future phase of the neighborhood.

Those units could take roughly a decade to fully complete.