LIBERTY - Liberty is about to enter a period of growth thanks to its position straddling several major roadways, township Administrator Pat Ungaro said on Feb. 13.
Speaking at the Youngstown Warren Regional Chamber's ''Good Morning Liberty'' breakfast, Ungaro said Interstate 80, the state route 711 interchange and state Route 11 are what he uses to sell the township to developers.
The key is infrastructure, which Ungaro said is improving and is bringing increased development opportunities to the township.
''We are poised for a renaissance that everyone around us will be observing and emulating as we continue our progression,'' Ungaro said. ''Access to the interstate is when you get development. The access to the interstate is the key and it's starting to work.''
Ungaro also pointed to the laying of sewer lines on Belmont Avenue as another key point in trying to lure developers.
He also pointed to the new Wal-Mart being constructed at the Liberty Plaza and potential growth that will come from that project. A representative from Wal-Mart was to speak at the event but was unable to attend.
There is interest in land around Gypsy Lane and the new Wal-Mart for development, Ungaro said.
Also speaking was township police Chief Richard Tisone, who was appointed to his position last month. Tisone said the department picked up its new police dog and an officer will begin training April 1 to be paired with the dog.
Tisone also said he wants to create a reserve officer training corps before the end of the year. He said he has been contacting Youngstown State University for recent graduates who are certified to be police officers.
He said having reserve manpower is a good way to add to the rolls without increasing the department's budget.
''The bottom line is we have to tighten our budget,'' Tisone said.
Trustee Jodi Stoyak also spoke. She said the township's property maintenance code, which was enacted last February, is working and helping the township look better. She also lauded volunteer groups in the township, who she said have helped trustees do their jobs better.