Agency on aging considers moving

By David Skolnick

A decision on a possible relocation is expected in the next two to four weeks.

YOUNGSTOWN — An agency that provides services and assistance to about 144,000 seniors is considering a move from downtown Youngstown’s Ohio One building, which it has called home for 18 years.

The decision by the Area Agency on Aging 11 on a possible relocation is expected to be made in the next two to four weeks, said Lisa Solley, its chief of community relations.

The agency is looking to sign a 10-year lease for about 15,000 square feet for its 75 employees, Solley said. “We want to get the best deal possible.”

The agency is on three floors of the Ohio One building, 25 E. Boardman St., with less than 15,000 square feet, she said.

Ohio One is among the six to eight buildings that submitted proposals for the agency that provides services and assistance to those age 60 and older in Mahoning, Trumbull, Columbiana and Ashtabula counties.

Other locations that submitted proposals to house the agency are in Youngstown, Boardman, Niles and Warren, Solley said.

The Youngstown-based location is among 12 Area Agency on Aging regional locations throughout Ohio.

The nonprofit organization provides services for the elderly, administers a number of programs for seniors, and advocates for their needs.

The services and programs include helping seniors with housing, in-home care, emergency preparedness and nutrition as well as promoting independence by linking older adults with specialized health and social programs.

The agency receives funding through the federal and state governments for the services and programs.

It also oversees the spending of the $2.6 million raised annually by a Trumbull County senior services levy voters approved in November 2005.

skolnick@vindy.com