New businesses coming to Austintown, filling vacant storefronts

AUSTINTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – Several new businesses are coming to Austintown, some filling vacant storefronts and others are brand new construction along Mahoning Avenue.

“It actually means more business, more revenue, and we’re all happy to see that come to our town. It’s very enjoyable to see it come here,” said Township Trustee Monica Deavers.

Interior demolition of the old JCPenny at the Austintown Plaza is underway. That space will be divided between two new stores: Grocery Outlet and Five Below.

Nearby, the walls have gone up for a new Meijer that Deavers says could be completed by next year.

“I heard them say within 12 months, so I think we’re looking into 12-15 months, maybe around September of next year,” Deavers said.

Across the street will be a new car wash, and down the road, Deavers says an Italian restaurant will be going into the former Upstairs Restaurant.

Township leaders are hopeful that the new businesses will bring more people to Austintown but that doesn’t necessarily mean the businesses will bring additional funding to the township departments.

“When levies are voted in, they’re voted in for a fixed dollar amount,” said Township Administrator Mark D’Apolito

Through levies, residents approve a dollar amount the township can collect, so growth in the township wouldn’t bring more dollars to the township — rather, growth could lessen the share of the levy each property owner owes.

“Bringing additional property may in effect reduce individuals’ property taxes at the next reevaluation,” D’Apolito said.

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