STEUBENVILLE, Ohio — Plans for a Dollar General store on the vacant Grant School parking lot in Steubenville have been scrapped, Mayor Jerry Barilla announced during Tuesday’s city council meeting.
Dollar General officials informed the city they are “no longer interested” in the location, though they did not provide a reason for their decision.
In response, the city is exploring alternative uses for the site.
Also during the meeting, council passed an ordinance to hire consultants for the planning of an inclusive playground in collaboration with the nonprofit organization Unlimited Play. The organization is known for building inclusive play spaces across the country.
The consultants will assist with various aspects of the project, including fundraising, marketing, and design. Second Ward Councilman Tracy McManamon emphasized the importance of community involvement in the project.
“There’s a great large community of people affected by disabilities of all kinds, whether it be autism or what have you,’ Councilman Tracy McManamon said. “So we want the input. We want to know what the people want cause this is the people’s park. This is not the city’s park per se…this is the people’s park.”
With the ordinance passed, the city will now meet with consultants to discuss the next steps for the playground project.
