It took city council only a matter of a minutes to formally approve legislation Friday adjusting Youngstown's northern boundary with Girard to accommodate the annexation of 190 acres into the city. It's one of the housekeeping issues the communities have to take care of as part of their incentive package to V&M Star Steel -- to land a nearly billion dollar expansion.
"We've done pretty much what we can, and now we're just hoping that we get a positive decision," said Youngstown Finance Director David Bozanich.
Meanwhile, council members were praising Mayor Jay Williams for arranging this week's face-to-face meeting in France with executives of V&M's parent company. They said the Monday session could ultimately make a big difference.
"We need it here. We need it in Youngstown and Girard," said Fourth Ward Councilwoman Carol Righetti.
While officials admit the global economy will have an impact on V&M's final decision, some are beginning to feel a little more confident.
Another housekeeping issue still to be resolved involves commissioners from both Trumbull and Mahoning counties formally approving the actual annexation of the land. Bozanich said plans for that are set for Dec. 31.
Officials are hopeful V&M will give the project the green light before the end of the year.
