TROTWOOD — Since 2014, the former site of the Salem Mall in Trotwood has sat empty.
Now there are plans to bring new life to the area, and developers want the the community’s input.
Jefferson Township resident, Linda Smith, told News Center 7 the closing of Salem Mall was difficult on the community.
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“It was a prosperous area. We had all kind of shops here. Basically, you could get what you wanted or needed. When it shut down it took away all the business for this side of town,” Smith said.
The Trotwood Community Improvement Corporation (TCIC) is now working to bring prosperity back to the space.
“What we’re looking at here today food, food access, food education and food produce market through emphasizing our local food producers primarily,” said Chad Downing, Executive Director of Trotwood CIC.
It’s just one component of a larger plan that will also include a business hub.
“We see this sight as being the heart of the community and when you talk to many residents…it’s a very focal point for residents,” Downing said.
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TCIC is working with University of Dayton students to design the community kitchen and market.
“Giving back to the community and possibly giving an outlet to get more produce to these people is really important to me,” said Ally Brown, Mechanical Engineering Major at UD.
Brown is working to design a system that focuses on growing food in a unique way—right here in this space.
“So hydroponics is actually growing plats or produce with water and nutrients..so no soil is needed. So that really cuts down on the space that’s needed,” Brown said.
They will continue to seek out community input on this project and this space. For more information, you can visit trotwoodcic.org.