Vision going north from Struthers on Youngstown Poland Road and as you pass Midlothian you enter Youngstown. Right after the iconic Elmo Tire the old Point is straight ahead, the fork in the road. But instead of the old run down buildings behold a digital Welcome to Youngstown Billboard, generating community funding with advertising ala' Struthers. Directly behind the billboard surrounded by planters made of sandstone is a stone patio with tables and the 7th ward neighbors sipping cold lemonade made from fresh lemons sold by community farmers under the grand pavilion completing the triangle. The pavilion is made of reclaimed beams salvaged from the old Marion Auto warehouse and the metal roof is reused barn roofing.
Right across the eastern road Loveland, the historic Buckeye park is substantial enough to absord the various vendors selling their wares. On a stage not to far towards the older growth woods of the park are local musicians enjoying "open mic day." And sitting under the sun with a glass of mint julip is our very own TownTalk, smiling as she says "was it worth blogging all these years nudging Youngstown that we can pick ourselves up and better community? Damn right it was!"
Folks, you know me, I have always pushed albeit at times rudely for all of us to stop the talk and walk the walk. Once again I am dreaming of creating a community venue, community action, not just painting windows on a demo building, or cleaning up a park of trash once a year. Doing a project that will create community spirit and a live venue. What is this post all about, maybe it is about the posibility today, this New Year. Here are the ingredients to bake this cake that exist....today, and is up again....to YOU to grab. What is in place:
1. The property under control by my company (Ohio Land Management)
2. 24"X24" beams to build pavilion (available)
3. Sandstone and patio flag stone (available)
4. Backhoe,trailer and Dump truck (loan)
5. A true Councilman leader (member of this blogsite)
So once again people, this all can happen and the major ingredients to bake this cake are right in front of you, take a step forward. Funding, never a problem if you have a solid good plan. I'm sure all the local businesses in the 7th ward would love to see improvment in that section of Youngstown and will help. Just the other day, our new Mayor said partnerships with the City will make us the Jewell of the Northeast.
If the band - aka - orchesrtra was Andre Rieu or James Last, I'd be there jumping up and down with the greatest joy that any human being worthy of the name can express. And in my bejeweled hand would be a glass of the finest red wine available as I made a toast to the newly revived Youngstown.
Shoot, I'd have the wine imported from France for the occasion. None of the American stuff.
So TT, let's rally the troops, or are we the only ones left in the hood? :)
Seriously Ron, I visualize a pavilion size stage that would have two wing areas on either side of the stage, and behind the stage two dressing rooms a utility room, two rest rooms and a storage area for grips.
Overhead on the stage area would be at least four rows of stage lighting which could change color from a board in one of the wing areas.
When not in use, the front of the stage area would be closed to prevent vandalism.
At the entrance to the area would be a garden feature on either side of a walkway and a rustic sign with the names of all the people that made the pavilion possable.
All along the front would be a low sandstone wall.
Just inside the entrance could be a small concession stand for selling such things as popcorn, pop, etc.
The idea of the old growth trees behind the pavilion would lend some elegance to the pavilion, and I could really visualize your band doing a concert there.
The only question I would have is just how large the stage area would be.
For those not familiar with Buckeye Park.
Show the Point TT, Por Favor?
The Point
Idea for sign. Note, the yellow portion would be for naming events and would light up ... a sort of theater marque
We control the two buildings that can be demo'd. Notice the existing patio at the point. The pavilion can take up the entire footprint of the two houses with sufficient parking along side, not to mention the park.
Thanks TT for producing.
Are these the buildings?
Right on TT!
Of course like Alan knows, we will never put these paroperties in our names because as soon as a warm body is attached to these buildings. The Genius of Youngstown leaders would immediately haul you into building court and SLAP you with building code violations. They will torment you even though you were not the owner when the properties went downhill. Their intellect will attack you the investor, wherein, like me you will never invest in structures again in Youngstown.
Now when the City successfully applies this great leadership strategy with everyone who dares to invest in Youngstown, GUESS WHAT? No one invest anymore and when our great leaders KILL demand, supply is abundant and valueless! Huray!, our leaders have successfully made Youngstown into what it is today, real estate that is a LIABILITY.
To top it off, because of the fleeing of investors and worthless housing in Youngstown, since the bottom of the barrel are unqualified leaders, you have the FAKE NONPROFITS that scurry into town, snake oil salesman, saying community organizing will set us free, will raise entire values, "Kill the SLUMLORDS!" Look what they have done to you housing stock! So to disguise their motive of PORK SALARIES, they create their nonprofits and suck up MO taxpayer mula and build cheap houses like CHOICE, COMMONWEALTH and JUBILEE, that has a great plan for houses all over the City that after 15 years of occupancy, you can buy it for $85,000! You never hear about these houses all over the hood anymore, they exist though.
Now you have YNDC, showing us the way to invest into Youngstown real estate. Crap! anyone can invest and look good, if you throw money at them. It ain't even American free enterprise anymore.
So, why am I a little pissed, because this project can be done, by the good old American Free enterprise.......if the new City leaders, do not ACT like the buffoons who threw this great City away. If D'Avignon gets involved, forget it, a mental waste and futility in what not to do. The MVOC? run the other way, they would want socialize it. No, the 7th ward can do it by looking away from Yesterday's pork job.
I have listed the assets to a project like this, and this can become reality like what we have done outside of the City limits. So like TT is doing, roll up your sleeves and put effort forth, once this is noticed by the free market, everything will fall in place.
What is ironic is the fact that I don't live in the 7th Ward, yet that doesn't stop me from seeing the vision that Ron has and fully support it, because of what this project could lead to.
My vision may be much grander than Ron's in scale, but that doesn't matter.
Look at it this way, there was a time when there was no Mill Creek Park as we know it. Parts were use as garbage dumps ... the lakes weren't there ... parts of it were industrial ... yet look at what one man's vision produced ... yes, I said one man ... Volney Rogers, not the powers that be at the time, but one man of vision, and the vision of those who belived in Rogers and his vision.
Ron's vision is not as big in scale, but the end results are very much the same ... producing something that would benefit the community as a whole, and that is what we should all be about.
Consider this in connection with Ron's vision.
Buckeye Plat Field is a city park, yet the city has never fully developed it. Now the city is talking about downsizing it's park system, so this is a good opportunity for the private sector to take this 8.33 acres and couple it with Ron's ideas to build up a center for entertaining all of us.
The city has been talking about building an amphitheater, so what better place could that be than here, and by turning it over to the private sector, it would save money. The cost would be half what it would be downtown if not greater, and because there would not be any remediations involved, that would only add to the savings, and as to size, it would be perfect. And for the folks in the 7th Ward, it would be a great asset.
Even more importantly, it's location is perfect for those outside the city who fear going downtown to events.
TT, amazing we see no peep from anyone in the 7th ward. They must not be as interested in this point in their hood than you and I. What do you call it, complacency?
I won't try to figure people out at this point Ron, but I just wonder what the reaction would be if this project were to be built on the West Side rather than in the 7th Ward. I know that were it built here on the North Side that we would be dancing for joy at having yet another grand venue here, for after all, the North Side is after all is said and done, the only side of town that has culture locked up ... Stambaugh Auditorium ... YSU ... three museums ... two major art gallery's ... two hospitals ... the main branch of the Public Library.
Far be it from me to stick my nose up into the stratisphere over the other sides of town, but facts are facts.
As I said, there are many reasons why your project would be a welcome asset to the 7th Ward, so since it's been only a couple of days since you first brought forward the idea I'm prepared to be in for the long haul even if it means driving folks right up the proverbial tree.
There is an old story that applies here.
A farmer had just purchased a new tractor and wanted to sell the mule that he had previously used to plow his field.
Finally one day another farmer came up to him and offered to buy the mule, and farmer John said: You'll have no regrets, I used old Jenny for ten years and she did a beautiful job for me, but now I need a tractor.
The next fall at the County Fair farmer Brown met farmer John and complained about the mule not living up to his billing.
"Oh didn't I tell you that after you hook her up to the plow, you've got to whack her up side her head with a 2 by 4 to get her attention."
Well Ron, I guess we need to apply farmer John's technique to get the attention of people.
Well TT,as you well know, I have studied and lived among the City dwellers for 18 years, in your neighborhood in fact. First of all we are dealing with most who for economic reasons were not able to migrate into the suburbs and this mind you is not a bad thing, it is reality. Statistics will also reveal education either formal or self taught is on the lower end. Basically, us Youngstowners have not been the type that create production or innovation for that matter. So for us Youngstowners to absorb vision and advancement, it is a challenge, which may only be overcome by a trust to accept and place into the hands of the qualified to perform. Remember in the Bible, these words are true in Youngstown, "If the people have no vision, they will die."
I like your spunk that you are in it for the long hall, this is the quality of a leader. My associates have strongly advised not to bother with the City, but I have a passion for Youngstown believe it or not.
The good Councilman Sweirz and I have been talking about this project and it is he who expressed interest in The Point houses for the community. This afternoon, he has informed me of a meeting we are to have with the County Landbank next week. As many know here, I am not a fan of the Landbank, but it is not entirely up to me on which way we go on the Point property. Right now, the response I am getting is that the 7th Ward would like to see a small park on the Point Ala' The Peterson Park we (Town One Streetscapes) built in Poland Village.
I would have liked to see input from 7th Ward citizens on this subject, but maybe we are asking for too much.
Ron:
You well know my passion for music as do others, and while our passion moves in different directions, music is music and the perfect balm for the soul, so I visualize the day when the project is completed and one of the annual events would be a Jazz Festival as a weekend event bringing in the local Jazz bands and singers for a three day event starting on a Friday night and ending Sunday night.
Personally speaking, this idea could be expanded to Ethnic Weekend music events, which could make the venue quite busy all summer long.
Example: German Weekend with a tie-in with local micro breweries.
[I hope I'm not giving any ideas to Mill Creek Park folks.]
As some folks know, I'm a big fan of Andre Rieu, and would wish that locally some visionary could form a Youngstown version of the JSO orchestra, but in the meantime, as I've told you, music is music no matter whether it's a small Jazz band or a 30 piece orchestra, and it is the one thing that bonds people together, and marks all of us as human beings.
TT, the zoning on the Point properties (two structures) are 437 Food/Service Structure, I could not find that in the Youngstown Zoning code, any ideas?
Ron: I'm not up on zoning regulations, but we do have John on our side, and he knows which strings to pull, and ways to manuvure around the burocrats in City Hall, so I would defer any opinion to him since as 7th Ward Councilman he has the most to gain.
Just noticed the Rocky Ridge article and see how this group is very productive and seems to have vision, what kind of group is active in the 7th Ward?
Also, like to point out that if you count out the lots of the Point, beginning at the point, the first and counting back 8 lots, this real estate is very valuable to the free market. For future speculation, investors hold property. especially with the traffic count and entrance to the City.
I do not believe many in our area can see the value and potential of that Point with the Buckey park for future development.
Not going to sweep this one under the rug..............
With no offense intended for my friends on the West Side, I'm getting sick and tired of seeing that part of town getting so much attention to the exclusion of other wards.
As I pointed out, the Point and Buckeye Park would make for a wonderful entertainment location (see photos) with a Pavilion on the Point and a small amphitheater in Buckeye Park, and because it would be done by the private sector it would be a true savings to the city.
I can tell you this without the least hesitation, that if that project were to be located here on the North Side we would be on it like a pride of hungry Lions going after a meal, and wouldn't let anyone stand in our way ... NO ONE!
Allan, and Rick, like to hear your input on this potential?
I think a park would be great there....easy to enter and exit with two streets coming
to the point. Small outdoor amphitheater could be great during the warm weather
months.
How about a small ice skating venue for the cold weather months, with some
type of heated pavilion(?). It could be drained during warm weather and be used
as a basketball court(?)
Discussion today with leader of Ward. Great input Alan.
I'm suprised that we haven't heard from Kennyjoe on this since he is in the 7th Ward.
This project is moving forward, stay tuned.
Great news Ron. Too bad our so-called city leaders don't take some well needed lessons from people like you and Rick.
TT,
I have to tell you, it is SOLELY because of Councilman Swierz that this project has any hope of moving off this site even. I've known John for many years, we have had our disagreements, but I beleive he has evolved and so have I to be better educated and both being Veterans, we have a bond.
That being said, I really don't know who from the 7th Ward is helping him with this, but I would be very disappointed if some I know on this blog, in the past and present, are not lifting their arms as much as they have smacked their lips on this site.
I've tossed out there my idea for whatever it's worth, but I know that whatever the end result is that you and John will come up with something that is fantastic and a real benefit both for the 7th Ward as well as Youngstown.
If the 7th ward desires a beautification project, these houses are a perfect candidate for the Landbank demolition.
Any new developments?
Waiting on a Landbank legal opinion.
The 7th ward and the Landbank (county) are moving right along. I'm beginning to see Youngstown falling in lockstep with the excitement of a new educated leader. Councilman Swierz and the 7th ward have their meeting tonight and I was just e-mailed by the County Landbank that we have a meeting at 10:30 tomorrow to discuss the transfer of the old Point property to the City.
I think we should deconstruct the Point buildings and salvage and recycle the material. I wonder if the 7th ward have manpower to help?
WONDERFUL!!!!!!!!!!!
The next step is to build an amphitheater in Buckeye Park, but for now, one step at a time. Great work Ron!
Name members of this blog who live in the seventh ward?
1. Iwasthere, does he not live in Brownlee woods?
2. Isn't there a Krupa who also lives there?
3. Yes, Kennyjoe, is use to be very outspoken?
i do not live in the bw.
In other words, I don't want to help because I live in another district, nice.
that is correct and they are not on my inc. level.
Now Youngstownshrimp let get it straight. The meeting is on friday at 10:30pm to discuss the possibilities of that happening.
Yes Councilman and you are the leader.
The ball is back in your court. :) :)
Quote from: Youngstownshrimp on February 12, 2014, 07:48:08 AM
The 7th ward and the Landbank (county) are moving right along. I'm beginning to see Youngstown falling in lockstep with the excitement of a new educated leader. Councilman Swierz and the 7th ward have their meeting tonight and I was just e-mailed by the County Landbank that we have a meeting at 10:30 tomorrow to discuss the transfer of the old Point property to the City.
I think we should deconstruct the Point buildings and salvage and recycle the material. I wonder if the 7th ward have manpower to help?
Ron,
Have you tried contacting C.C.A. about labor to help with the project? They have done a lot of
work on Market Street, landscaping vacant lots, etc.... just an idea.
:D
Great idea and we will if boss man Swierz gives the order, I'm just the worker.
Actually, we'll wait for your visit and accept your sweat equity. :) :) :)
Update: An entrepreneur has secured the first building at the point to reopen a restaurant. She has successfully convinced the permiting authorities and has invested in bringing the building up to code. At this point, all wish to give the young lady a chance, she has the assets apparently to invest into a working establishment.
This is good news, and I wish her well.
As for Buckeye Park, I still would like to see it set up to hold outdoor concerts complete with a bandshell/stage that could be located at one end of the park while preserving the ball field.
Picture this ... it's Saturday evening at 7:00 PM and in Buckeye Part there is a drum roll, the sound of a trumpet playing a fanfare introducing "The Battle Of The Bands" and the beginning of a weekend of great jazz music as local bands seek to be number one.
On another weekend ... "Polka Wars"
Still another weekend ... "Rockin' an' Rollin'"
Keep up the visions TT, the entrepreneur who is investing is looking at the park as an asset.