AUSTINTOWN — Township trustees have approved the $27,530 purchase of a property abutting Austintown’s Four Mile Run Cemetery, anticipating a need for room to expand in the future.

“We’re running out of space in our cemetery,” said township Administrator Michael Dockry.

Dockry said the owner of the property at 660 Four Mile Run Road, which directly abuts the current cemetery boundary, approached the township and offered to sell. The price is the appraised tax value.

Trustee Ken Carano said the trustees’ two main responsibilities are care of the township roads and the cemetery.

“We pride ourselves on that cemetery,” Carano said.

Though there are no immediate plans to expand the cemetery, trustees said the extra space will likely be needed in the next few decades.

Trustee Jim Davis said acquiring property adjacent to township property allows Austintown the possibility to grow. He said unlike other neighboring municipalities that have all but outgrown their space, Austintown still has some room.

In other business Tuesday night, detective Jordan Yacovone was promoted to lieutenant. He fills a position vacated due to a retirement.

Police Chief Robert Gavalier said Yacovone is an “asset to the police department.” Gavalier said Yacovone has been very active and during his time as a detective has always been persistent in closing cases, even when there are few leads to follow.

Now, Yacovone will oversee the detective division.

“We’re very proud to have him. He makes us all look good,” said Gavalier.

Trustees also:

∫ Announced there will be a special trustee meeting at 5:30 p.m. today to talk about the Ohio Department of Transportation potentially removing the bridge on Lanterman Road. Trustees will hear from concerned residents and share what they know about possibilities and ODOT’s intentions.

∫ Heard from zoning inspector Darren Crivelli that demolition began Tuesday on the old Big Lots building on Raccoon Road.

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