WARREN — Members of the Western Reserve Port Authority met Wednesday morning to discuss both economic development and aviation matters.
During the economic development meeting, John Moliterno, executive director of the Port Authority, spoke about the potential of turning the vacant Youngstown Developmental Center into a facility serving certain populations in Mahoning County. The center previously treated individuals with developmental disabilities and closed in 2017.
Moliterno said officials from the Mahoning County Mental Health and Recovery Board approached the Port Authority to help develop the property.
Duane Piccirilli, executive director of the Mahoning County Mental Health and Recovery Board, said there are many potential uses and benefits of the project, including providing housing for adults with autism, retirement housing and adult day cares.
In other business, Anthony Trevena, director of economic development of NEO Development and Finance Authority, a division of the Port Authority, said Moliterno will represent the Port Authority during the Youngstown Warren Regional Chamber’s fly-in in Washington, D.C., on June 20-21 to discuss missile defense and the Youngstown Air Reserve Station.
During the aviation meeting, Moliterno said the airport is communicating with local property owners about the need to top-cut trees to maintain Federal Aviation Administration standards. The airport has leases and easements that will make the process easier, Moliterno said.
Before adjournment, Moliterno also said Vienna Township police and fire personnel had recently experienced an issue trying to access the airport. The problem was resolved by issuing an access device to allow emergency personnel into the airport.