City to evacuate apartments next to Realty Building

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – More downtown residents will be displaced after Mayor Tito Brown announced Monday the evacuation of International Towers following a structural engineering report concerning the nearby Realty Building.

In a notice sent Monday afternoon, Mayor Brown said the report issued to the city from Barber & Hoffman, Inc. states that the Realty Building at 47 E. Federal Street “remains structurally unsafe and suggests the evacuation of International Towers located at 25 Market St.”

The notice stated that Youngstown Fire Chief Barry Finley notified building management that an evacuation process must begin but did not specify when.

First Ward Councilman Julius Oliver said the evacuation process will start in the next one to three days.

Residents say they’re frustrated the media was informed about the evacuation before they heard from building management.

“I’m very disappointed that no one has said anything to us. People here are going to be shocked. They don’t know what to do next,” said International Towers resident Jewel Stevens.

“No one has said a word,” Stevens said.

People living in international towers are shocked and frustrated by the news that the Realty Building is structurally unsound and that they can no longer stay in their homes.

“I’m very frustrated. The tears in my eyes — I’m hurt. I knew something should be done,” Stevens said.

Many of the building’s residents have oxygen tanks, are in wheelchairs or have disabilities. Those living in the building say it will be no small feat to move everyone.

“Where will they find additional housing? A lot of people have been living here longer than I have, people in wheelchairs and people who have real disabilities,” said resident James Bogan.

Many have spent decades living in the building.

“Unfortunately, this is not the result we anticipated, however, the public safety and well-being of our residents is our top priority.  We are actively working with the appropriate agencies and organizations to find solutions for the residents as quickly as possible,” Mayor Brown said in the notice.

Mayor Brown plans to deliver an update on the situation Tuesday at 11 a.m.

The structural integrity of the Realty Building and nearby buildings came under scrutiny following a gas explosion inside Realty Tower May 28. The NTSB is investigating the explosion while the engineering firm is evaluating the safety of the building.

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