Bike-share systems are services that are found in cities around the world that allow users to rent bicycles from one of many docking stations within their city for transportation or recreational use. Currently, Ohio alone has over ten cities with bike share programs including Cleveland, Columbus, Kent, and Canton. If it can work in all of these cities, then why aren't we bringing it to Youngstown? And if so, what type of bike share would work best? Or should we ditch the bikes all together in favor of other alternative modes of transportation?
As of now, planning for this potential bike share system is only preliminary. However, a list of locations for possible docking stations include the new amphitheater park, Eastern Gateway Community College, West Commerce Street, YSU, and Wick Park. Though these stations would better connect attractions within the center of the city, I would argue that it will not do enough. Strangely, the plan neglects large portions of Downtown including its busiest areas such as Central Square, the corner of West Federal & North Phelps, and several areas around the YSU campus. Obviously the current plan will almost certainly be modified if the project moves forward, but I imagine that the number of docking stations would remain roughly the same - Youngstown simply does not have the demand for more docking stations. The main struggle any bike share program will face in Youngstown is the lack of bike infrastructure. Currently, Youngstown has no bike lanes - and to make matters worse, many roads in Downtown remain four or even six lane roads making it especially dangerous for cyclists. However, if we assume that the city follows through on its plans to rebuild Fifth Ave, Commerce St, and Front St. into complete streets with bike lanes, we can write off this concern. But another concern is ridership. Who exactly would use bike share in Youngstown? I think it is safe to say that Youngstown State University students would make up the bulk of the ridership with outside visitors to Downtown coming in second place. In most cities with bike share, university campuses seem to be the main hotspots - after all, they are full of students who need to get around a large area everyday without a car. Many universities around the country are investing in bike share systems for their campuses, but to better cater to their students’ needs, some are ditching the docking system all together. Companies such as Zagster offer “dockless bike sharing” which allows riders to pick up and leave their bikes wherever they please - in other words, it would allow people in Downtown or YSU to get where they need to go quickly without having to worry about finding the nearest docking station. I believe a dockless bike share system would benefit Youngstown most and would encourage more people to use bikes due to their simplicity and convenience. However, one must ask - is bike share on it’s way out? Though it is clear that people in urban areas want alternative modes of transportation, traditional bike share may not be the long term solution. This past year, new “scooter-sharing” companies such as Bird and Lime have landed in countless cities across the country and both companies are already worth over $1 billion each. This controversial new trend allows riders to rent compact electric scooters that are scattered around the city from the comfort of their own phones. Like Zagster bikes, these scooters are dockless and can be rented or dropped off anywhere the rider pleases. These scooters have seemingly eclipsed the demand for bike sharing in many cities - after all, why would you walk to a docking station for a bike when you could rent one of the several scooters you will walk past on your way to the docking station? Despite their benefits, scooter sharing companies have faced a lot of controversy due to a neglect for safety by some riders and the “littering” of scooters on sidewalks or in front of businesses. However, I believe the pros heavily outweigh the cons. Why should Youngstown invest its money in docked bike sharing when we could invest in dockless bike or scooter sharing? Not only would it bring new modes of transportation to the city, but it would put us above most cities our size. It would drastically increase connectivity between the YSU campus and Downtown by giving people the freedom to ride wherever they please within the center of the city. This would in turn help YSU by allowing them to be seen as a modern campus that cares about alternative and efficient modes of transportation. If Youngstown will invest in expanding its cycling and alternative transportation infrastructure, it is imperative that we invest smartly and stay ahead of the curve. We need to be careful not to end up with a bike share system that will be outdated and not cater to our citizens’ needs but rather to implement one that benefits all people in Youngstown and will put us ahead of other cities rather than behind them.
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One of the main focuses of Urban Youngstown will be to highlight some of the many great properties for sale in the area, especially within the city of Youngstown. The Mahoning Valley's low cost of living allows buyers to purchase houses for a great price, especially within Youngstown itself. Though the South Side of the city has a bad reputation and has been struggling for decades, there are a few pockets of beautiful historic homes that just need a bit of TLC. If you are interested in a cheap historic home, Youngstown's South Side has many great options! This article will cover a few of the historic homes currently for sale in the city's South Side. 3804 Glenwood Avenue This unique Glenwood Avenue home is located right behind Mill Creek Park's Lake Newport and only one block away from Boardman. It is a part of a small row of historic homes tucked away from the road and in the park. Unlike many large historic homes in Youngstown, this house is extremely well maintained and move in ready. The interior is a great blend between traditional design and modern amenities. Unfortunately, this means that this house will come at a higher price-point than many other historic South Side homes. Click here for the Realtor.com listing. PRICE: $110,000 BUILT: 1940 BEDROOMS: 4 BATHROOMS: 3.5 SQUARE FEET: 3,356 4022 Euclid Boulevard This beautiful South Side tudor-style home is located in Boulevard Park, one of Youngstown's most desirable neighborhoods. Boulevard Park is one of Youngstown's earliest middle class automobile suburbs; today it remains a healthy middle class neighborhood. The house sits along a tree-lined boulevard with many other historic colonial or tudor style homes. The house is well-kept and move in ready. Due to it's location within a desirable neighborhood, it is a great option for someone who wants to buy a Tudor style home in Youngstown. Click here for the Realtor.com listing. PRICE: $98,000 BUILT: 1933 BEDROOMS: 5 BATHROOMS: 2 SQUARE FEET: N/A 739 Cohasset Drive Perhaps the most impressive house on today's list, 739 Cohasset is a beautiful example of a 1920's era mansion built along Mill Creek Park. The home is located in the northern part of the Idora neighborhood across the street from the park. Idora was one of the first wealthy residential areas developed outside of the North Side and was home to many prominent Youngstown industrialists. The end of the street conveniently connects to the East Cohasset Walk/Bike Trail and is within walking distance of the Ford Nature Center. Though this section of Idora is still struggling, this property is a great opportunity to own a unique piece of Youngstown history in an ever-improving neighborhood. Click here for the Realtor.com listing. PRICE: $169,900 BUILT: 1922 BEDROOMS: 7 BATHROOMS: 6 SQUARE FEET: 4,308 Disclaimer: This was originally posted in May 2018 Enclave Dropping Retail Space Plans There's some bad news coming out of the YSU neighborhood - The Enclave project's developers have dropped plans for a retail building along Wick Avenue in favor of building a 4,500 square foot student health center for YSU. I'm a bit disappointed that there will no longer be any retail there - it could have been a good way to slowly link YSU's campus with Downtown via Wick Avenue. Nonetheless, the project is going strong and the apartment portion is nearing completion. It looks great to see some density on that corner. The apartments are almost fully reserved. Phelps Street Pedestrian Plaza The City will be holding a meeting on May 23rd to receive public opinion on closing North Phelps Street to traffic in order to make it into a pedestrian plaza similar to Cleveland's East 4th Street. I'm really happy that the city is going this route, especially since this option didn't seem to popular. It could still be blocked, but I haven't heard any significant NIMBY opposition, and the restaurants on the street seem to be in support.
Joe Maxx Coffee Relocation & New Smoothie Bar Downtown:
And one more random piece of news: Joe Maxx Coffee Company (A nationwide chain based in Youngstown) was forced out of their space at the Realty Building by NYO Property Group. This is possibly due to NYO bringing in Branch Street Roasters across the street... but NYO already has a new tenant secured, The Smoothie Bar on Central Square. The good news is, Joe Maxx decided to stay in Downtown and have reopened in the Youngstown Business Incubator Campus on the west end of Downtown! It'll be great to have a coffee shop down there. |