Ricky Trinidad believes his Preeminence proposal is exactly what New Castle needs to revitalize downtown.
But New Castle City Council wants Trinidad to show progress in his other county endeavors and commit more financially before fully considering his vision to reshape downtown with sprawling development, including a five- or six-floor mixed-use building in the footprint of the former FirstMerit Bank building after its demolition.
Trinidad, who is the president of city-based Metrovitalization, unveiled his proposal for a private-public partnership during council’s March 4 meeting where he would take over the land of the former banking headquarters and the city-owned parking garage. This would lead to 200 new apartments and more than 20 retail spaces in the Preeminence complex, which also includes the former Rite Aid Building downtown.
“I think Mr. Trinidad is a good man. I’ve had several conversations with him,” said Councilman Robert Razzano. “At the end of the day, you have to be able to trust. You have to have trust.”
To Trinidad’s surprise, only Mayor Mark Elisco seemed outwardly enthusiastic about the project following the presentation, with new Councilman Eddie Bogaert questioning whether there is a market for new apartments downtown.
“I didn’t know what to expect, but I thought, just because of the need in the city, I thought it would be a little bit more inviting and receptive,” Trinidad said. “But, I understand their perspective because I’m new to the area. From that perspective, they want to get to know me.”
Razzano said he felt Trinidad’s proposal, while great in scope, was an overreach because the city only owns the parking garage. The FirstMerit property on Thursday was transferred to the Redevelopment Authority of Lawrence County from the county repository, while the Rite Aid building is owned by the firm of Dean & Ditmore.
Citywide Development Corporation Director Brian Burick said Trinidad should consider purchasing pieces of property in the city, like the Rite Aid building, to show more of a commitment to council.
“Show us that you successfully completed or made progress on those projects before we let you take land in downtown New Castle to do a project,” Burick said. “Either put some money up or show us the progress on these other projects, and then we’d be more willing to agree with you.”
Burick and Razzano said Trinidad’s past financial history — including a past bankruptcy in Miami, Florida — also leads council to err on the side of caution. Trinidad has said he found his way to New Castle because he was inspired by the vision and messages of Jubilee Ministries International and its head pastor, Dr. Mark Kauffman.
Councilman David Ward said said while he likes the idea of the project, many on council don’t feel comfortable moving forward until Trinidad shows progress on his other projects in the county.
“We want to see some receipts. We want to see some evidence,” Ward said. “I have more questions than I do answers with his presentation.”
In Hickory Township, Metrovitalization is looking to construct a 25-home housing development called The Kingdom Place. In Union Township, the company is looking to build a 211 single-family and duplex home project called Royalty Place, as well as a camping resort called Royalty Camping.
Trinidad said he understands council’s concerns and wanted to reassure the company is here to stay. He added the Preeminence proposal could always be revisited or put in a different location in the city.
“I think the best thing that we can do to help them feel comfortable, to rest assured that we’re the right developer for them to collaborate with in our city, is to complete our projects,” Trinidad said. “We’re here to revitalize and improve our city with them. I’m here to collaborate in good faith and help enhance our city together.”
Trinidad said The Kingdom Place is ready to begin construction as soon as its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit is approved by the DEP. He said people are calling every other day to inquire about homes there. He expects the homes to be sold out within three to six months and finish construction on them by the end of the year.
Royalty Place and Royalty Camping are expected to begin construction this year and finish in 2025.
County Commissioner Dan Vogler said the Redevelopment Authority has yet to hear the proposal from Trinidad. He said the authority and the county commissioners would be willing to listen to the proposal.
Elisco understands council’s hesitation given past developers have made undelivered promises. However, he said if Trinidad can deliver, it would bring much-needed revitalization and revenue to the city.
“To provide shops, cafes, coffee shops, some retail,” Elisco said. “I have every interest in listening to Ricky Trinidad as long as the city is fully protected and he does what he says he’s going to do.”
Trinidad believes there is a need for new housing downtown, noting the success of the Temple Building apartments as proof.
He believes the new development would attract people to come in from both inside the county and outside, such as from Youngstown, Pittsburgh and Cranberry and the target audience for the apartments would be young students, young business professionals and individuals who are retired and don’t want a full house and yard to manage.
He said once people move in, more and more businesses will be willing to open up to cater to them.
Trinidad said the “proof is in the pudding” to anyone who doubts him or his company.
He said if the projects fall through then continue to criticize him.
nvercilla@ncnewsonline.com
