By JOE GORMAN Tribune Chronicle

YOUNGSTOWN — A joint effort by the city and Mahoning County to speed up the process of disposing of vacant properties got a jump-start Wednesday.

Lien Forward Ohio opened an office in the mezzanine level of 20 Federal Place, a city-owned building, and will be staying rent free.

City Council and county commissioners approved the creation of Lien Forward in the fall of 2005. It grew out of county Treasurer John Reardon’s Vacant Land Task Force and will have more authority to provide financial aid and in-kind services to assist residents or businesses who are interested in vacant land.

Reardon said that when he took office in 1998, there were 14,500 vacant properties with tax liens on them, 12,500 in Youngstown alone. He said a Council of Governments arrangement, like Lien Forward Ohio, cuts through legal and government red tape and can return delinquent property to the tax rolls faster.

The goal is to transfer 5,000 parcels back to the tax rolls within five years, Reardon said. Lien Forward Ohio will work with community and church groups, residents and businesses who are interested in acquiring more property, he said.

Although Youngstown will be the primary focus, Reardon said there are delinquent properties throughout the county and they will not be neglected. He said the ultimate goal is to approach the problem at a regional level, saying that he wants to work with officials in Trumbull County if they are interested in the program.

Youngstown Councilman Artis Gillam, D-1st Ward, said he is excited about the program.

‘‘I think myself this is one of the best programs we’ve ever had,’’ Gillam said.

Councilwoman Carol Rimedio-Righetti, D-4th Ward, a board member for Lien Forward Ohio, is council’s liaison. She said she looks forward to helping out other areas of the county, but added she thinks it can do a lot of good in helping to turn around the city.

‘‘This is the hub,’’ Rimedio-Righetti said. ‘‘As we go, so goes the city.’’

U.S. Rep. Timothy J. Ryan, D-Niles, said cooperative efforts like Lien Forward Ohio are needed to turn the area around.

‘‘This is exactly what we need in this community,’’ Ryan said. ‘‘This is the type of cooperative effort that will take us back from the brink.’’

jgorman@tribune-chronicle.com

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