Annexation OK triggers process to build homes

Niles will provide utilities for up to 100 market-rate houses

WARREN -- Trumbull County Commissioners on Wednesday approved an annexation that will place 61.65 acres of land in Niles, as well as Howland and Weathersfield townships, all into the city limits.

JRD Holdings Inc., which owns the property at the intersection of Niles-Vienna and Stillwagon roads, is planning to build approximately 100 market-rate homes on the land. The three communities previously agreed to the annexation to move the proposed project forward, but need commissioners' approval to make it official.

Niles will be able to provide the development water, sewer and electricity.

The Ohio Department of Development is providing $1 million to the city to develop public infrastructure and workforce development housing. The funding comes from the second round of the Residential Economic Development District program.

Under the REDD grant, the city has one year to complete the infrastructure and site preparation, after which the developer will begin building the housing.

The infrastructure will serve households earning 80% to 120% of the Area Median Income. The project supports housing demand created by investments by the Youngstown Air Reserve Station, Kimberly-Clark, Ultium Cells and HomeGoods.

Niles Mayor Steve Mientkiewicz said the effort to build housing in the area began in 2019. This property, along with a second property on the other side of Niles-Vienna Road, will combine to provide nearly 100 acres prepared for development, according to Mientkiewicz.

He emphasized that the city's 2023 comprehensive plan identified the development of housing as one of the major needs of the city.

"To be able to build a new neighborhood with modern housing to try to stabilize housing for our current residents and attract new residents is something that is much needed and wanted by the city of Niles," he said.

Mientkiewicz said the annexation is important to the city's effort to have housing built because it had been land locked and could not on its own provide an area large enough for a major housing development.

"The developer wanted to use our Community Reinvestment Area, which will provide incentives to future property owners by reducing their costs," Mientkiewicz said. The mayor noted this will be the largest housing development that will be done under its CRA program.

"The townships will not lose anything with what they are currently receiving," he said. "Everyone sees the need to develop this area. The property taxes will remain in the townships. They will continue to be used to fund their schools and townships. The income tax will come to the city of Niles."

During the commissioners' meeting, Commission President Tony Bernard said the county is planning to work with business leaders and others about developing a countywide CRA program as a way to attract new housing and programs in other areas in the county.

"I think it is something that has been needed for quite some time," Bernard said. "Everyone knows we need housing in Trumbull county."

Commissioner Rick Hernandez described the county being behind the times in the development of a CRA, but the commissioners want to use the program in the future.

"I'm excited about the commissioners working together, starting a committee, and looking at this on a county level," Hernandez said.

Denny Malloy added the commissioners contributed $1 million to the Valley Vision 2050 program and housing is a big priority of that plan.

Valley Vision 2050 consists of the Western Reserve Port Authority, Eastgate Regional Council of Governments, Valley Partners, Youngstown Foundation and the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber. Shortly after its formation, the group asked Trumbull and Mahoning County commissioners to provide $1 million each to help finance its projects.