Liberty trustee reflects on 2025 successes

Trustee Arnie Clebone said Mercy Health opened a 61,900-square-foot behavioral health facility in December, and Trumbull County awarded the township a $450,000 American Rescue Plan grant to improve Center Park.

Trustee Arnie Clebone, recently reelected and whose current term began Jan. 1, reviewed the township's developments during his closing remarks at a trustees meeting. He described new homes, grants and business openings as highlights from the past year. Clebone noted Mercy Health opened a 61,900-square-foot behavioral health facility in December, following a ribbon-cutting last year for a nearby rehabilitation hospital. He also mentioned the launch of 32 building lots in Kline's Farm and the township's lease of land to Refuge Ministries for sports fields near Center Park. Officials reported additional planning work for the Belmont corridor and park improvements is underway. Noted developments: - Mercy Health opened a 61,900-square-foot behavioral health facility in December, following a rehabilitation hospital ribbon-cutting earlier. - Officials celebrated the launch of 32 building lots on the north end of Potters Circle in Kline's Farm. - The township leased land to Refuge Ministries, which has begun building two adult and two or three youth soccer fields plus a walking track. - Refuge Ministries said construction is paused until the ground dries and they hope to resume around March or April; they also mentioned plans for public restrooms and a possible splash pad if funding is available. - Trumbull County commissioners awarded a $450,000 American Rescue Plan grant to enhance Center Park, with engineers starting work to address drainage and tree removal. - A Belmont Corridor Plan, led by Youngstown in partnership with the township, is expected to be completed in October. Summary: The items described by the trustee point to new health services, housing opportunities and recreational projects in the township, along with a county grant for park improvements. Construction of the sports fields is temporarily paused until conditions improve, and engineers have begun site work at Center Park to address drainage. The Belmont Corridor Plan is scheduled for completion in October.