Youngstown, Ohio – The downtown area of Youngstown faced a devastating blow when the explosion at Realty Tower added to the challenges already posed by road construction, the Covid-19 pandemic, and its aftermath. Business owners in the area, however, are resilient and attribute their continued operations to the support of customers and the community.
City officials have demanded a stabilization plan for the damaged structure of the building from its owners by the end of the day today, yet no plan has been presented as of now. The explosion on May 28 not only claimed a life and injured several others but also left the residents of the tower’s 23 apartments homeless.
Restaurants in downtown Youngstown have been hit the hardest, facing numerous challenges since the start of the pandemic. The closure of public spaces during the pandemic forced workers to stay home, and many have not returned to downtown since then. Despite the hardships, business owners like Anne Sabella of Avalon Downtown credit the survival of their businesses to the support received from the community rather than the actions of the city.
The explosion occurred when workers from GreenHeart Companies LLC, under a city contract, were relocating utility lines and accidentally cut a pressurized abandoned gas line, resulting in the destructive blast. The aftermath of the explosion led to the evacuation of nearby buildings and disrupted the operations of multiple businesses in the area.
As business owners in downtown Youngstown await assistance from the city to navigate the challenges they face, Mayor Jamael Tito Brown emphasizes the importance of supporting these businesses by patronizing them. Despite the setbacks, there remains hope for revitalization in the area, with ongoing renovation projects like the Apollo Events Center showing promise for the future.
The impact of the explosion has been felt across various businesses in downtown Youngstown, with closed offices, relocated events, and disrupted operations. Despite the challenges, the community has come together to offer support and assistance in the midst of the crisis.
Overall, the future of downtown Youngstown remains uncertain, with ongoing construction and renovation projects aiming to revitalize the area gradually. Business owners like Mark Canzonetta of Bistro 1907 express hope for the future but also highlight the struggles faced in the current economic climate, calling for continued support and resilience in rebuilding the community.