YOUNGSTOWN The Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation and its partners are celebrating the completion of three new solar-powered duplexes on Glenwood Avenue. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for 11 a.m. today at the properties, marking the official opening of the six new housing units.

The new duplexes, located at 3013, 3021, and 3031 Glenwood Avenue, are designed to produce more electricity than they consume through integrated solar arrays. YNDC believes these are the first buildings in Youngstown to operate with this level of energy efficiency.

All six units have already been leased to tenants. Each apartment includes two bedrooms, two bathrooms, an open layout for the living, kitchen, and dining areas, laundry facilities inside the unit, a front porch, and two covered parking spaces.

The development is intended to provide residents with high-quality homes and lower utility costs. Ian Beniston, the Executive Director of YNDC, noted that the significant savings on utilities would help make the housing more accessible for tenants.

This project, which began with a groundbreaking in April, is the second phase of a neighborhood initiative. The lots for the new construction were previously vacant and were acquired through the Mahoning County Land Bank.

A variety of organizations and financial institutions supported the project. Funding was secured through grant awards from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh Affordable Housing Program, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati Affordable Housing Program, and the Mahoning County Continuum of Care.

Construction financing was provided by PNC Bank and WesBanco, with permanent financing also coming from WesBanco. The City of Youngstown contributed to improvements in the area, which included planting trees and installing new sidewalks.

Joe Koch Construction served as the builder for the three duplexes. The project also received support from Sixth Ward Councilperson Anita Davis, The Raymond John Wean Foundation, Glenwood Neighbors, and various other community stakeholders.