Rescue Mission Expansion Highlights First in Video Series Marking 10-Year Anniversary of Land Bank’s Establishment
A tour of the Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley’s new homeless shelter highlights the first in a video series the Mahoning Land Bank launched today to showcase collaborative achievements with partners since the agency was established 10 years ago.
The Land Bank’s “Community Partner Spotlight” video series will share the stories of 10 partnerships from the past decade. Each video demonstrates the impact of relationships the Land Bank has developed with individuals, local governments, nonprofits and other public and private organizations to restore and repurpose vacant, abandoned properties.
“Throughout the past decade, the Land Bank has demonstrated what an enormous impact it can make on a community through demolitions, acquisitions and repurposing efforts and, most importantly, through community collaboration,” said Debora Flora, Land Bank executive director. “That’s why we chose to celebrate our anniversary by highlighting many of the community-minded individuals who have helped us get to where we are today.
“Each project is unique,” added Flora. “The series provides a closer look at the powerful results that can happen after acquisitions or demolitions. We’re thankful for the vision, creativity, determination and hard work of each of our community partners throughout the years.”
The Land Bank is marking its 10th anniversary this year. Mahoning County officials established the agency in 2011 to capitalize on a new state law that created land banks with special authority to acquire and repurpose tax-delinquent property.
In the inaugural video released today, John Muckridge, president and chief executive officer of the Rescue Mission, takes viewers on a tour of the new 47,500 square-foot shelter on the North Side of Youngstown. A large portion of the mission’s site is comprised of 16 formerly vacant and tax-delinquent parcels the Land Bank assembled, acquired and transferred to the nonprofit.
The following individuals and organizations will also be included in the partner spotlight series over the next several months.
- Darren Crivelli, Austintown Township Zoning Inspector
- Ian Beniston, Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corp. Executive Director
- Sophia Buggs, Lady Buggs Farm Owner, Operator
- Brigid Kennedy, Ursuline Ministries President
- Jay Kamruzzaman, Investor, Landlord
- Tony Kelly, Campbell City Schools Board Member
- Mohammad Abuniaj, Student, Husband, Father
- Glenda House, Homeowner, Master Gardener
- Solid Platforms, Scaffolding Supplier
To learn more, visit the Land Bank’s website and YouTube channel.
Check out local news coverage at the links below:
Mahoning Matters: ‘Spotlight’ series to mark Mahoning County Land Bank’s 10-year anniversary