YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – It has sat empty and unused for years, but there could one day be new development on the site of the old McGuffey Plaza in Youngstown.

Directors with the Western Reserve Port Authority bought the property at corner of McGuffey Road and Garland Avenue last year.

On Monday, work was done on the site to make it shovel-ready for potential developers. Directors are working to make it appealing for businesses looking to expand. This will also help reduce time and cost for new projects.

The next steps will include getting the property ready for would-be developers and possible future growth.

“The residents have no place to go. If it develops into neighborhood resources, grocery stores or something in that light, but even if it doesn’t, it still, it can create jobs for residents in the neighborhood,” said Councilman Jimmy Hughes.

To help get the work started, Hughes pledged a quarter-million dollars from his ward’s share of American Rescue Plan dollars.

Work to clear the site should be finished in the summer of next year.