Opinions vary on annexation of Girard land

GIRARD — Jack Balko would rather see the city take a hit for allowing 80 acres along its border to be annexed to Youngstown than to lose an opportunity to bring hundreds of jobs to the area.

Balko agrees with many of his neighbors that whatever the outcome of the dispute, Girard needs to make a decision and move on.

“I’d like to see (Girard) get something for the land and everything, but if it’s a decision between giving up the land for jobs or keeping the land and no one does anything with it, we should just give it up for the better of the community,” said Balko, who has lived in the city 55 years.

“We need jobs here and if this is something that could bring them here and help people, it should be a done deal.”

Earlier this week Mahoning County commissioners asked for a quick resolution of the dispute between Girard and Youngstown over the possible annexation of Girard land to Youngstown. V&M Star Steel has proposed using the land for a $970 million expansion.

Mayor James Melfi has been against annexing the vacant property to Youngstown, which has already purchased the land from various owners at a total cost of about $5 million. Girard City Council members have reported they support the project and a majority of them say they don’t object giving up the land to save the V&M’s proposal.

“I don’t really know much about the project,” said Monica Ramdath of Girard. “But I trust the mayor’s decisions. I know in the past he’s had the city’s best interest at heart, and I believe this is no different. I can see his point about the property, and I think he has real concerns that need to be looked at. He wants to make sure the city’s interests are protected for the residents here, and I respect that. I trust him to do what’s best.”

Although Girard is faced with making the decision, the matter reaches beyond the city into neighboring areas — where some residents have said they also have concerns.

Amy Dean of Weathersfield explained her husband is a truck driver and is looking to haul loads to and from the proposed factory.

“We’ve been hearing for a long time that there will be work for him and the other drivers after the project’s done,” she said. “So we’re waiting. It would be nice to know whether this is something to look forward to, some hope for this community. If it happens it could mean so much to this area, to have those jobs here.”

Roger Lindgren, steel company president, told officials of both cities they must settle the land dispute before Aug. 28. V&M hasn’t committed to the local expansion project but the company is expected to make a final decision by the end of the year. Lindgren has told officials the acreage must be part of Youngstown.

“I know Youngstown wants to take the land, and I understand Mayor Melfi’s concerns,” said Bill Turocy, who has lived in the area more than 30 years. “Girard should get reasonable compensation for the land. I see Mayor Melfi’s view on this. Girard shouldn’t give it up for nothing. But they can’t just sit around and maybe lose this opportunity.

“We can’t afford to lose it if there’s a real possibility of this happening. I hate to see Girard lose out, but if it comes down to it and it’s a question of fighting for rights to the land or being compensated for it and it means losing the opportunity, Girard needs to let go and give up the land for the betterment of the community,” Turocy continued.

“You’d hate to see it come to that, but you’d hate to see us lose this chance because of it. Sometimes you just have to let go.”

This might be one time Mayor Melfi has to do that. Just let them have the land and hope we’re all better off because of it.”