BOARDMAN — In the effort to minimize flooding in Boardman Township, trustees Monday unanimously approved a contractor to tear down four of seven homes in a flood zone.

The job will be awarded to C. Crump Inc. of Hubbard, the lowest bidder, for $31,375 — a company the township has worked with in the past.

“We’re very pleased to work with them,” Marilyn Kenner, road superintendent, said. She told trustees the demolition is anticipated to begin after June 1.

More than $800,000 has been awarded to acquire the parcels, and buy and remove the four homes. The homes are located South and North Cadillac drives and Wildwood Drive.

The remaining three homes are on Melbourne Avenue, Brookfield Avenue and Oakley Avenue.

Funding has been secured through Federal Emergency Management Agency hazard mitigation grants as well as a Mahoning County grant to demolish the homes, Kenner said.

In an effort to further combat flooding in the township, a property where a house once stood will remain as greenspace.

The house at 6706 Glendale Ave. burned down in a fire, Kenner said. The property owner donated the now-greenspace to the Mahoning County Land Bank.

Kenner said that in the future, the ABC Water and Stormwater District will be able to utilize the property, perhaps with a retention pond or rain garden.

Township Administrator Jason Loree told trustees the “beginning stages” of planning and design are underway with the vacant Market Street Elementary building.

Once the school is demolished, a stormwater park will be created in the space, likely the first of its kind in Mahoning County.

afox@vindy.com