Legislation
A number of items on City Council's legislative agenda will enable us to move forward with various projects. As part of the FY 2002 Community Development Block Grant Program, the construction of Harding Street and the Downtown Sidewalk Project will proceed. As you are aware, the resurfacing of Highland Avenue from SR 616 to Oakview Ave. will be included in the CDBG/Local resurfacing program. Bid openings for both projects are expected to be by mid-July. With regard to the FY 2003 CDBG formula program, projects must be selected by the second public hearing on June 18, 2003. Bid opening for the 2003 Crack Sealing program is Friday, June 13, 2003.

Brownfield Development Training
On Friday, May 30, 2003, I participated in a Brownfield Development Training Seminar at Kent State University/Trumbull Branch. Much of the seminar was a review of programs currently in place. However, and aspect of the Voluntary Action Program worth noting is the fact that owners of brownfield sites who opt to pursue the program can earn a ten year real estate abatement on the increased taxable value of the sites. This would help them offset the cost of remediation and would be especially valuable for those
looking to develop the property. Coupled with the abatements available through the Enterprise Zone for brownfield redevelopment, this additional incentive should be useful in attracting investors and developers.

With this and other programs available, the Great Lakes Regional Environmental Financing Center is looking forward to the upcoming regional conference to be held at YSU for lending institutions, developers, and property owners.

2003 Fireworks
A contract has been executed with Zambelli International to provide the firework display at Cene Park on July 6, 2003 in joint celebration of the 4th of July and Struthers Day.

Hopewell Furnace Commemoration
On Sunday, June 1, 2003, the Mill Creek Metro Park District sponsored a Hopewell Celebration at Yellow Creek Park to commemorate the dedication of the Hopewell marker as part of the Ohio Bicentennial Celebration. The beautiful marker is located at the parking lot entrance to the Hopewell Trail on Wetmore Drive. Special thanks to the Metro Park District, park staff and participants for making it a special day.

Respectfully Submitted,
Daniel Mamula, Mayor