Master

Many locals spoke of this and I did see some new activity...apparently the population has spiked somewhat as well. With that said, I was coming from Atlanta where there is new construction everywhere and Baton Rouge didn't not even come close to comparing with that. Even from a Cincinnati perspective I would consider the amount of construction going on there to be an abnormal amount...but maybe I came in a bit late to see it, or maybe this is a lot relative to what they're used to down there. I'll bet it's just been more than they have been use to. Like Ohio, I don't think Louisiana has seen a construction explosion in many moons.

What the hell is all that! I simply said that a pro "Soccer Team" might work in The Akron Metropolitan Area, with regional support, at-least from fans. In general, if the region worked together, I think The Cleveland-Akron____________ Soccer Team could draw from the multitude of corporate sponsors in the region and fill 30,000 seats, if we can find enough Soccer Fans. I think the cities, counties and state could put together an incentive package Akron would rally to make it work if it were in the metro area. Come on guys! Just admit that in my wildest dreams, theoretically and hypothetically, it could work.

Haven't been there for many years. Lots and lots of family down there. I use to get shipped down there for summer break, almost every summer. Not the time to be down there. It has to be the closest thing to The Rain Forest that we have in The US. Back then, I remember extreme differences in neighborhoods from block to block. Leaning houses, on bricks aroung the corner from really, really nice mansion like homes, etc. Is it still like that. I heard that after Katrina, they have been flooded with displaced New Orlean's, causing high appreciation and a boom in home building. Did you see any evidence of That?

No, it's not major news, but I'm really in favor of regionalizing and get a thrill anytime I see an attempt at it. It did the repeat thing on it's own.

As we all know, depending on who's opinion you you subscribe to, you get different figures. And I admit that my Almanac is 2 years old. I'm sure we can agree that at-least 1.1 million people reside in the area. A Soccer Stadium in the northern portion of The Akron Metro Area would tap into even more people. I'm sure we are talking about 25,000-30,000 seats, max. My point is: The population is there to fill a stadium of that size. My skepticism is based on the amount of Soccer Fans in this area. I feel that the stadium would do better near Akron because even if there aren't as many Soccer Fans as the planners might like, Akron is a smaller market that would rally around a pro sports team and do there best to become fans just for the sake of making such a project a success. The idea of any pro sports team in Akron would generate enormous excitement. I feel it would draw at-least some real Soccer Fans from The Cleveland and Canton Area, which would only add to the possibility of success. If we are fortunate enough to have a winning team; There you go. In Cleveland, the team would have to endure Fourth Place; behind Football, Baseball and Basketball. It wouldn't generate nearly the excitement that it would in this area. A project like this, added to the other positive things going on, could be a real boost to this area, which would benefit Cleveland, in the long run. I feel that it would, in the long run, become another underpatronized and failed venture in Cleveland and when they leave, it would cause more Down Syndrome. I could be wrong, but this is my opinion.

Just thought I'd reemphasize your statistics and research. Even better is when you did it again in your next post. If you comprehend it the first time, then I don't have to repeat it. Repetition is is one of the best and most recognized teaching tools. Akron's statistical area is listed as Summit, Medina and Portage Counties. Canton is listed as Stark and Wayne Counties. There are 1.6 million people in those 5 counties. Check your Almanac. That is what my figures are based on. Also, when discussing High Speed Rail from Columbus to Cleveland, the backers considered skipping Akron-Canton and it was said to make no sence to skip the 1.6 million people in The Akron-Canton Area to save 15 minutes. That extra 15 minutes added to missing that population, killed that deal. And I still say that if Major League Basketball wasn't a Big Fish in a Small Pond then Soccer definitely won't be. Evidentally, Scott Wolstein didn't think it would be, either. Sporting events draw from a certain, reasonable distance. That distance, depending on the popularity of the sport and the team in that area, will vary. For a popular sport and team, in a specific area, an hour drive is quite reasonable. Going to a major sporting event is considered a special occassion, for most people. On special occassions, people regularly drive 1 hour or less to a lake, an amusement park or a major sporting event. The population to support the team is within a reasonable radius of Akron and especially it's northern suberbs; like Cuyahoga Falls, Macedonia and Richfield. The question, once again, is not the population. Take it from a person who is in the field of Marketing. It is: Are there enough Soccer Fans?

Oh, I forgot to mention that Cleveland won't have the numbers or the population if it doesn't stop bleeding profusely. The city has lost something like $500,000 people. At this rate, it'll be a little hick town like Akron, soon. Don't get me wrong, I love Cleveland! I just think Cleveland could show the rest of Northeast Ohio some love and get off it's high horse and work with the rest of us.

Akron is spelled with a capitol A. You, obviously, don't even know what the numbers and population are. Check your statistics. There are roughly $700,000 people in The Akron Metro Area and roughly 1.6 million in The Akron-Canton Area. Within a 50 mile radius of Downtown Akron, which does include Cleveland, Youngstown, Medina, Canton and Massilon; there are approximately 4.5 million people and only 6 other metros in the United States have a greater population in a 50 mile radius. Fifty miles is an acceptable ride time to attend a major sporting event. Many people in this country commute much further to work each day. The question is not if the population is there, at all. Richfield is a suburb of Akron and The Cavs were adequately supported for quite a few years. The question is are there enough soccer fans? The question is also: When will you and many other Clevelanders stop letting your egos get the best of you and recognize that Cleveland, Akron, Canton, Massilon and Youngstown are all in the same boat. When one sinks, we all sink. All local governments and people need to unite, support each other and pool our resources. Regionalism is the key. That elitist attitude that Cleveland is the only legitimate city in Northeast Ohio that should be the location of any new company, event or anything and all of the other little specs on the map should step aside, is detrimental to Cleveland and the whole region. Each city in this region, rather large, medium or small would devastate the others if wiped off the map, tomorrow. This is common sense.

Ideally, the team could play at UA's new digs...but it won't happen. This complex needs to be closer to Cleveland than to Akron, and Macedonia is pretty much equidistant...on a similar note, Philly gets a team...see link below. http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=512016&cc=5901 Why do you feel it absolutely needs to be closer to Cleveland? It doesn't appear that the soccer officials and investers feel that way. I'm sure they know what they are doing and have done research. In my humble opinion, Cleveland is not a big Soccer Team Town and I fear the project would get little "Fanfare" and attention. In The Akron Area; it would be huge and it would draw from a The Southern Cleveland Metro and South through Akron to possibly Canton. It may not happen, but I think Visionaries could make it happen. I am a Clevelander/Akronite. I was born and raised in Akron and spent quite a few years in Cleveland. It kind of bothers me that few people from Cleveland give Akron credit for he ability to support anything on a big scale. Even though Akron is definitely no Cleveland in size or scope, it is still a major part of this Northeast Ohio Metropolitan Area. Without the 1.6 million people in The Akron-Canton Area, plus The Industry, Trucking and Additional Attractions, etc., Cleveland would never have become anything near what it was or is now. How about a little credit. Akron, with the support of Cleveland, can support big things. The more big things that happen in Akron, the more that will happen in Cleveland. The sooner we all get on the same page and regionalize llike other growing metropolitan Areas, instead of fighting each other for everything, the better. I will visit that site.

Don't forget Labron's Three on Three, his National Marathon and New Bike Race. Not to mention The Professional Ladies Fast Pitch, which is based at Fireston Park, now! Wow! Add in the Pro Golf Tour and The All American Soap Box Derby and woohoo!!!

That really sucks! At least they are going to try to maintain current employment levels. However, that may be difficult to do. This will hurt the business of the suppliers, as well.

Actually, I think it would have a almost no affect on The Aeros. These are two different sports with 2 different fan bases, so one will not detract from the other. However, with the new University Stadium and all of the other sporting events Akron has recently been winning, I think Akron will quickly become a sports town. It will be more of a reason for people to live in the area and more amunition to be used for the promotion of the area. I also believe that this kind of excitement could even be a positive thing for The Aeros and other are sporting events.

AGMC OKs deal to find products Published on Wednesday, Feb 27, 2008 Akron Beacon Journal The technology transfer office of Akron General Medical Center and a Cleveland technology-commercialization firm called 5iTech will work together to identify, validate and commercialize bio-medical projects... www.ohio.com

That is a great idea! Back in 2006 when the Cuyahoga Falls Cougars were playing I had suggested building an arena on the site. The idea being that the site could host the Cougars (if they were successful), hockey, arena football, or the MISL. However, this is a much better idea. Now that the plaza is being demolished, this could work quite well! I agree! This is an idea that the right people need to know about!

I wasn't saying that streetcars would somehow reduce Passenger Wait Times. I was saying that before Akron invests in streetcars, I think they should invest in reducing wait times for passengers who ride Metro Buses. I feel that this is a higher priority and could be a more immediate success story with huge benefits. The increase in ridership and other benefits that occur because of reduced wait times would be a big selling point on the benefits of mass transit, thereby helping to sell the idea of streetcars and rail. I agree. After improving The Metro Bus Service, I think a streetcar route from Goodyear Through Summa, Akron U, Downtown to The Metro Hub and then down Exchange Street, to tie in Children's and General Hospitals would be a short and achievable start. The Montrose and Medina "Pie in The Sky Ideas" would be later stage accomplishments and I was thinking more in terms of High Speed Rail Service. Medina is going to soon be a significantly populated area and with The new water park and other planned attractions, could make rail service very viable as Downtown Akron grows, as well. I really salivate at the idea of High Speed from Akron to Cleveland. Now that is a really sexy idea!!

I think your ideas are somewhat plausible but extremely ambitious. At this time, I don't think a study would show enough guaranteed ridership to the south. I think ridership would be better to the north, up Howard St. into Cuyahoga Falls to Goo Industries and would spark extreme development up Howard St. and State Road. I think connecting The Goodyear Development on down East Market St. to City Hospital on down to Akron U and with connections to the new stadium and key points within the campus, on down to Quaker Square, Inventure Place and Downtown, in general could work. Then I think you have to go to The new Metro Hub. That only makes since. Another link from The Downtown Akron Metro Hub out to Montrose and even into Medina sounds interesting, as well. Connecting Medina with Montrose and Downtown Akron has to be a good idea. I would consider Exchange St. up to West Market (Rt. 18), to tie Children's and Akron General in with the system. Then down Rt. 18 through Fairlawn, into Montrose and possibly into Medina. The result would be easy access between the hospitals, Goodyear and Akron U. Also, high income consumers from Copley, Bath, Fairlawn and Medina would have easy access to The Hospitals, Akron U and Downtown Akron events, not to mention the new AU Football Stadium, etc. Once again, this would be extremely ambitious. I think a more short term and economically feasible idea would simply be to connect The Goodyear Development to City Hospital, to Akron U., to The Metro Hub and maybe Children's and Akron General Hospitals. Before any of this is done, I believe that the biggest priority should be for Metro and the city to work toward reducing passenger wait times and expand to 24 hour service. I believe these suggestions would have the biggest and most immediate economic impact. Ridership would increase due to convenience and it would be a selling point when attracting new investment. It would create jobs and boost productivity for companies who currently do or are considering 2nd and 3rd shifts. It would offer another option to Drunk Drivers and it would decrease commute times for passengers, which will increase their quality of life. Once these goals are accomplished, I think we could, at that time, look at some less ambitious Street Car Plans with the option to expand, later. I think that riders would pay an additional 50 to 75 cents fare to enjoy 15 to 20 minute service and certain routes with 24 hour service. General Fares are now $1.00 in Akron. In Cleveland, they are $1.75. Akron Passenger wait times are minimum 30 minutes to 1 hour and even 1 hour and 15 minutes. This is not good for the economy. I don't think anyone even realizes how detrimental it actually is. What are your thoughts on that?

Fake Trollies do suck! I will keep watching as you suggested.

If street cars were utilized in Akron and I'm not sure the expenditure would be well placed, I think that using the system to connect various University of Akron points with Inventure Place, The Three Hospitals, Main St., The Main Library and the new Metro Hub, as well as the new Goodyear Development Area might be beneficial. I, personally, think this could be less expensively done with a Trolley System. Metro already owns some trolleys and a couple more wouldn't be too expensive, if needed. There would be some tourist attraction, the routes would be short, useful, downtown routes, for the most part and would save money for more economically beneficial projects for Akron. I would rather see that kind of expenditure go into decreasing Metro Passenger Wait Times and expanding Metro Bus Service into a 24 hour service. These ideas would have a much bigger economic impact, I think. Unless we could somehow make the Cleveland-Akron High Speed work. All combined would be worth a tax hike, in my opinion.

I was responding to the person who implied that Akron has few or attractions and is not ready for a large scale investment of this or any kind. This person never gave any detailed and valid reasons why streetcars, in particular, would be a bad investment. There was a general comment that Youngstown was unfocused and neither Akron or Youngstown have attractions that make them worthy of consideration for such projects. As to rather I think a streetcare investment would be smart? No, I don't. I do think it would be smart to invest in some type of rail system that would run, at-least from Downtown Akron to Downtown Cleveland. It would be beneficial to both cities and the region for many obvious reasons: The Increase in Commuting, The access to more people for downtown attractions in both cities, The potential reduction in Commute times for passengers and congestion on the highways, Safer commute during bad weather and better attendance for employers during bad weather. It would be a positive marketing tool for tourism for the region, which offers more to see and do than each individual metropolitan area does. Not to mention the more intangible benefits like the positive motivation for our area. Kick in a few decent paying jobs and the development along the route and it's not a bad idea to look at. Depending on the results of a study to pick the most productive route, I would think that some or most of that tracks are already available.

I cant speak for Youngstown, but although Akron is no Disneyland, it has managed to attract it's share of tourism and visitors. In Akron's hay day and over the years, events like The World Series of Professional Golf, The Pro Bowlers Tournament of Champions, Alcoholic Anonymous Conventions, The All American Soap Box Derby, The National Inventors' Hall of Fame, Chuyahoga Valley National Recreation Area, Stan Hewett Mansion, The Internationally Televised Cathedral of Tomorrow, Summit Lake Amusement Park, proximity to The Pro Football Hall of Fame and now, The Labron James Marathon, Three on Three and Bicycle Race have all been a huge attraction for visitors. Not to mention; The major business conventions lured here by The World Headquarters of Goodyear, Firestone, General Tire and countless other smaller Rubber and Autoparts companies with headquarters in the area. The Akron Art Museum, Akron Symphony, E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall, The Civic Theater, The Carousel Dinner Theater, The Blossom Music Center and The Goodyear Air Dock (Largest building in the world without interior supports) have all been attractions. Akron once had a bustling downtown with an extensive street car system. You would be amazed at some older downtown photos. Wish I had some to share. Akron is home to Roadway Express and boasts many large Trucking Terminals, Railroad, Freight Airports, a National Airport, as well as proximity to an International Airport and shipping docks in Cleveland. Akron has Major Interstate Highways 76 and 77 plus Rt. 8 with proximity and easy access to most of the big cities in the entire eastern and midwestern portion of the country. The University of Akron is booming and don't forget about Kent State and Three World Class Hospitals which are now intering into co-op agreements with Cleveland World Class Hospitals for joint ventures in and around Akron. Goodyear, all three hospitals, First Energy and Sterling Jewelers are all making huge investments in Akron, right now. Akron is working on a Bridgestone Project, as well. Combined, you have a few billion dollars in investment, just from those intities, alone. For these reasons, I believe that Akron is a viable city to invest into, in any manner, including for the purpose of increasing tourism. Out of all of the cities in Ohio, many economists say Akron is the city best positioned for economic growth. Reference The State of The City in City Discussions. Respectfully, Akron does have attractions and is ready. Bring it on!!!

I think this could be the beginning of something big for Northeast Ohio. The more that come, the more that will come. And yes, this is one big metropolitan area. The more Cleveland, Akron, Canton stop fighting each other and work more together, the better. Notice that this company has already formed a relationship with Bird Technologies Group of Solon. This should definitely be a regional effort. And the region should cooperate on just about everything they attempt to do.

An Israeli technology company has committed to opening its U.S. headquarters in Akron, which would make it the first in what the city hopes will be a series of companies moving to Akron from the Middle Eastern nation. Cellular Systems International Ltd. plans to open in April a 10-employee research-and-development office in the Akron Global Business Accelerator. The company, which has developed a technology aimed at remotely fixing problems on cell towers, didn’t “shop around” for a site because the city’s recruitment effort gave Cellular Systems the confidence Akron could provide the assistance it would need, said chief technology officer Eli Ben-Meir. More below: www.ohio.com

Now that's a neighborhood with personality!

STATE OF THE CITY PRESENTATION handout (383k pdf) (02/07/08) - Thank you, Dan for that introduction and for our great partnership. I appreciate the support of the Greater Akron Chamber in scheduling this event as well as the Akron Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs who have been hosts for 22 years, and in recent years, have been joined by the Akron Press Club. My thanks to these organizations and their members who do so much for the life of the community each and every week of the year. While we accomplished a great deal last year, it was also a tough year. I did what I thought was right for the city in the early part of the year, and I paid a price for it in November. But if any of you came here today thinking you were going to hear a version of my “swan song,” or plans to fold my tent, you may want to step out of the room now. We have a lot of accomplishments to review, and I hope a lot more to come this year. I always appreciate the opportunity to thank publicly some people who are really making a difference in our lives. First, the members of Akron City Council who are with us today. They have the hardest job in politics. With us today are Jim Hurley, Renee Greene, Jim Shealey, Terry Albanese, Tina Merlitti, Bob Keith, Mike Freeman, Kelli Crawford, John Conti, President of Council Marco Sommerville, and council clerk Sherri Prough. Let me ask them to stand as a group and be recognized. I must thank the members of my staff and cabinet who, with their years of experience, perform great service for the residents of the city every day. In particular, I want to thank Jeff Fusco for his years of service as Deputy Service Director and my long-time scheduler Gail Fielding, both of whom have retired, although Gail is back assisting our new police auditor Phillip Young. Jeff’s replacement is Ronnie Williamson. My new scheduler is Dan Whitaker. Let me ask these 5 individuals to stand and join me in thanking them for their service. And my personal thanks to the members of my office staff, my cabinet, and the vast majority of city employees who day in and day out, go to work with one goal — to make life better for the people of Akron. I’m very proud of all of them. Another special recognition – I had the highest regard for County Executive Jim McCarthy and was disappointed when he announced that he was retiring. But I can tell you that Russ Pry has done a tremendous job in a short time. Without his help, and help from Governor Strickland, and especially Lt. Governor Lee Fisher, we could not alone have saved Goodyear. Our commitment is to work together to continue to make our two levels of government work even more efficiently and effectively here, and I want to thank him for that commitment. At your places is a brochure (383k pdf) we put together each year that lists many of our accomplishments. It saves time for me not to talk about them and for you from listening to them. We’ve also highlighted our new initiative to develop a “Greenprint” for Akron. Last August, I asked Keep Akron Beautiful to expand its mission to make our city more environmentally-friendly. The first thing we did is take stock in what we are already doing, and many people, including some from the Sierra Club were surprised at how many things we had already accomplished to help our environment. For instance, participation in recycling has increased markedly since we automated trash pickup. Forty-eight percent of Akron households now recycle, an improvement of almost 30% in just 12 months. When I was president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors in 2005, I presided over the unanimous endorsement of a Climate Protection Agreement, whereby mayors commit to reduce carbon emissions in their cities to seven percent below 1990 levels by 2012. More than 700 mayors are now committed to this goal. Congress has taken note of the mayors’ leadership on this issue, and approved an Energy and Environment Block Grant program that when funded --- would direct almost $2 million to Akron to reduce energy dependence and promote greater energy efficiency, and Keep Akron Beautiful will help us decide how that money will best be spent. We can keep Akron moving in the right direction if we have a vision for the future. Five years ago from this podium, I closed my State of the City speech with a request that you sit down and take 5 minutes to write a note to a friend of ours who was having a tough time –a generous friend, trying to manage the transitions required in this new global economy. And many of you did take time to write Goodyear CEO Bob Keegan. I’m not saying that’s what persuaded the Board of directors of Goodyear last December 5th, necessarily... but it didn’t hurt. They repaid our confidence by announcing a plan that would keep their global headquarters and North American Tire Division offices in Akron, well into this century. This will be the biggest single development project Akron has ever seen. When the Goodyear campus is finished, when the old Goodyear buildings are taken over and filled with new business by Stu Lichter, and when the new Eastgate lifestyle center with new retail, new commerce, and new housing is completed — the investment public and private will approach 1 billion dollars. Stu Lichter is a modern day alchemist who turns old buildings into gold. He did it at BF Goodrich and Lockheed Martin. We believe he can do it again. I wished I could have told you about the Goodyear proposal when I stood here a year ago. But as often is the case...we were sworn to secrecy at that time. Maybe it would have helped if we could have told the people of Akron that this is how we use tax dollars to invest in new jobs. In this case, we’re not only keeping 3,000 jobs at Goodyear, but adding thousands more along East Market Street in the re-development. One of the things I learned last year is that we haven’t done a good job of marketing the services that we are doing for the citizens of Akron. We can do a better job of letting people know about our investments to attract jobs and our success with large and small businesses. Many of you have complimented us on the CITY magazine that we publish three times each year. We’re going to use a special issue that will provide details about what we have done to attract new business and keep the jobs we already have. Cities have been on the losing end of Washington’s tax-cutting plans that have eliminated much of the federal government’s role as a partner in development. Akron lost over $51 million in the last 10 years –money that we once received, that we now are not getting. We have kept down costs by reducing the city workforce by over 400 employees in the last 10 years. Our total general fund expenditures grew an average of less than 2% over the last 5 years, and we have kept police and fire at or nearly as possible at their budgeted strength. And I can say again, that we have not raised taxes for the operation of city government in 27 years. But, we are increasingly challenged to make do with what we have. In this era of rapid, unforgiving change — if the federal and state governments continue to squeeze us out of their budgets, we need to find new sources of revenue or lose the battle for jobs that is truly global in nature. I promise you that in the coming months, we will do a better job of informing our residents how important it is that we participate in these development projects to retain the jobs we have and attract new jobs. For many years, Bridgestone-Firestone has realized that they need the same kind of modern campus environment to attract high quality talent from around the world to work at their Akron Technical Center. Last year, Bridgestone USA President Mark Emkes told me that they were going to build a new technical center. Either in Akron, North Carolina, or central Tennessee. The newspapers in Nashville and Murfreesboro are salivating at the possibility of adding 600 highly-paid technical jobs to their communities. Over the last several months, Deputy Mayor Bob Bowman has been meeting with Bridgestone/ Firestone to review preliminary concepts that would address their needs. As we receive more details on the project, we will place before the company a response that will be competitive and will be in the best interests of the people of Akron. Once again, we are working closely with Russ Pry and Governor Strickland and Lee Fisher, and we will do everything we can to keep those 600 jobs at the Technical Center in Akron. And let me say, that unlike the 1970's when my predecessors received phone calls the morning that Goodrich, Firestone, and General announced they were moving out — I appreciate that in the cases of both Goodyear and Bridgestone Firestone, that we have been given an opportunity to assemble proposals that would retain these jobs in Akron. During 2007, I probably spoke to almost 100 groups in Akron of one sort or another during the various campaigns, and I heard from thousands of people. They reinforced for me what I already knew — that while jobs are important, most residents are happiest when their street is in good repair, the snow is plowed, the trash is picked-up on time, clear water comes out of the tap, and when they dial 9-1-1, they get a quick and satisfactory response. Let me assure you that service to Akron neighborhoods remains a top priority of everyone at City hall. But what’s also true, is that when we do the “ordinary” things right every day, it is seldom the subject of the news. For example, I’m especially proud of these extraordinary achievements by City employees: Our 3-1-1 call center handled 200,000 calls for service last year, and we cleared 95% of them within a standard time. Our automated sanitation trucks are getting good reviews in every neighborhood, We paved dozens of streets this year, picked up tons of trash, and responded to thousands of 9-1-1 calls for service, and in surveys, our customers have indicated their satisfaction with the City response. But I know we can do better. Today I am announcing a new initiative that will improve our delivery of services to each and every neighborhood. Service Director Rick Merolla will oversee a new program of Neighborhood Nuisance Patrols, that will divide the city into four sections, each with its own chief nuisance officer. The things that often bring neighborhoods down quickly are the house with a junk car in front, the yard with high weeds, or loose trash, or the zoning violations that irritate responsible homeowners to no end. We respond quickly to these complaints when citizens call them in to our 3-1-1 call center. Now, our goal is to be out in front and head them off before they get to the point of irritation. Part of this initiative will be to instruct each and every city employee who works in our neighborhoods on a regular basis to watch for nuisances and to report them. It’s the sanitation drivers who notices a pothole, or the police patrolman who sees a house in bad condition also taking responsibility. We’ll measure the time it takes us to respond, and those leading our nuisance patrols will be accountable for the condition of their area of the city. And to be sure those residents have access to me directly to register their opinions; our CITY magazine will have a reply card addressed directly to me to collect opinions of our people. Safety is always a top priority, and I’m happy to report that once again, Akron is the safest big city in Ohio. We brought the police force to its full authorized strength earlier this year, and we will once again hire additional firefighters in the next several months. I’ve announced a new policy on how often we schedule new classes for police officers so that we don’t have to go for a year under-strength while we “catch-up.” I put into place a Police Auditor to handle public concerns about law enforcement. Phillip Young, a former Ohio State Highway patrolman has already been working to build an understanding with residents and police officials. Crime does not recognize the city’s boundaries. That’s why more and more, I am encouraged to see collaborative initiatives between our police department and the Summit County sheriff. I have had numerous discussions with Sheriff Alexander, and his new chief assistant Garry Moneypenney, on how we can work together even more closely. You’ll hear more about that later this year. With U.S. Marshall Pete Elliot, we had a successful Fugitive safe-surrender at an Akron church. The Gun buy-back program was another example of how we work with faith-based organizations to provide for safer neighborhoods. We are using grants of more than $1 million to go after gang and drug activities in collaboration with the Sheriff and other law enforcement agencies. Homicides were down last year, but half of all murders last year were related in some way to gangs. The University of Akron is assisting police in creating a system for Intelligence-Led-Policing. And we will fortify programs at the East Akron Phoenix School aimed at gang intervention and prevention while we expand the targeted sweeps of “hot spots” this year. A second grant will enable Akron police to continue its work with other agencies and jurisdictions to support the city's successful strategy to target will help rid the city of meth labs. But when we talk about our neighborhoods, the condition of our housing stock and safety, there is another blighting influence that cannot be ignored. And that is the “hit” that every city has taken in the last year or so as Wall Street greed overcame good sense, and driven homeowners who were sub-prime borrowers into foreclosures. It is a national crisis. This is an area that the state has pre-empted local communities from regulating this business. I’ve joined with other mayors to measures to urge Congress to put some teeth into their regulations of the mortgage industry. I’m pleased to tell you that there are some creative local solutions, and I am announcing today that Akron has reached agreement with the Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America to establish an office in Akron to provide immediate relief for oppressed homeowners facing the potential loss of their homes. NACA is helping thousands of homeowners who faced foreclosure by re-negotiating their mortgages, with payments they can afford over the long term. NACA offers real solutions that give real hope. I learned about the outstanding work being done by NACA and its founder Bruce Marks through my association with the Conference of Mayors. He persuaded the nation's biggest mortgage lender, Countrywide Financial, to let NACA restructure Countrywide's bad sub-prime loans. And now other big-name banks appear poised to follow Countrywide's lead, including Chase and Wells-Fargo. I have offered NACA the office space and computers it will need in one of our neighborhood centers, so that they can be up and running as quickly as possible. Russ Pry and I have discussed how we can work together with Summit County’s Consumer Affairs Department as part of this initiative to preserve home ownership countywide. We are also hopeful about the new housing opportunities that we are helping to create: The Hope VI project on Vernon Odom Boulevard is replacing the old Edgewood home projects. AMHA has demolished the old structures, and will completely rebuild 200 new homes, including subsidized rentals and single family market rate homes. 17 homes should be ready this Spring. We’ve seen the success at the old Elizabeth Park where the new Cascade Village has risen in its place, thanks to the determination of Tony O’Leary at AMHA. We also have new housing coming on Howard Street at Northside, and Phil Maynard has broken ground for his Spicer Village condominiums, now under construction in University Park. Our neighborhoods will be better if the people who live there feel more of a bond with their neighbors. I became aware of a program called “Neighbors Day,” celebrated in France,. Germany, England and other countries each May. I asked our staff to put this program together, and thousands of Akron residents answered my call to get to know their neighbors during the first Neighbors Day celebration held last Memorial Day weekend. Residents throughout Akron invited people on their block to share ideas and safety concerns while enjoying games, food and refreshment. In many neighborhoods, small groups of neighbors chatted in front yards and on driveways. Most used the opportunity to discuss neighborhood issues. Food was a part of most celebrations. Our second annual Neighbors Day will be Saturday, May 24. It can be as simple as a walk next door or across the street to invite neighbors to join you for a cup of coffee — and learn their names and what concerns they share. And being the eyes and ears of the police in our neighborhoods. We can keep Akron moving in the right direction if we have a vision for the future and strengthen our neighborhoods. Eighteen months ago, I identified 500-plus acres of land partially surrounding Downtown as The Akron Biomedical Corridor. Inside the boomerang-shaped boundaries are the Hospitals that are our most promising engine for economic development. The three hospitals employ over 11,000 people including some 1,000 physicians. Combined, the three hospital systems attract more than 1.5 million outpatient visits each year and almost 80,000 patient admissions. This places Akron’s combined total ahead of the Cleveland Clinic. We are now poised to see major development in the corridor. A principal reason is the strong partnership of the University of Akron and possibly, NEOUCOM --the Northeast Ohio Universities College of Medicine. We hope to establish an Orthopaedic Research Institute that will do exactly what we had hoped –bring together our hospital strengths - in this case, musculoskeletal biology – with our expertise in polymers and bio-materials, to create a new research center and ultimately, new jobs. This Spring or Summer, a new medical facility, a long-term acute care hospital that is jointly supported by Akron General and Summa will open on East Market Street, offering 60 patient beds. I commend them both for working together in the best interests of our citizens, and will be encouraging them to join together in future projects as well. And this helps nurture two other initiatives that I have told you about in recent years. Last year, our Israeli-based partnership the Targetech Innovation Center accepted five new projects. 144 applied. We now have 7 Israeli companies in our portfolio, many of which are biomedical-related. My thanks to Joe Kanfer of GoJo, who is on the board and is one of the founders of this project. The expanded Akron Global Business Accelerator located in the old Building 5 of the B.F. Goodrich Tire & Rubber Company complex is home to 35 companies and 142 employees. Twelve new high-tech early stage firms entered the Accelerator within the last year. Importantly, we have entered into an agreement with Akron General medical Center to foster medical innovation at the Accelerator. They are looking at creating a center of excellence in advanced wound care. Accelerator companies have attracted over $16 million in new investment capital this past year. There are seven companies working on biomedical projects including Spine Matrix, which does advanced imaging to diagnose back pain; a healthcare software company, a firm that designs and manufactures medical equipment; plus others including Therics, which develops and manufactures synthetic bones. I’m proud of the work that Mike LeHere has done there over 20+ years, graduating 64 companies who have moved out of the incubator/accelerator and now employ almost 800 people in the region. As part of the Biomedical District, I am today proposing that we begin planning for another incubator – a biomedical incubator – to provide jobs at new companies growing out of the research and development efforts within the Biomedical Corridor. Last year, I was able to tell you at this speech that Sterling Jewelers would keep its headquarters here along with its 2,200 employees. I wasn’t able to tell you then that First Energy will move out of their Ghent Rd. building so that Sterling can move in. I’m grateful for Tony Alexander’s willingness to sell his building to allow for Sterling’s expansion and for his commitment to build a new $30 million campus on White Pond Drive. 700 jobs will be located in what will be the highest performance “green” building in the area when completed. Our work with these major employers is usually well-publicized. Less well-known however is the work we do regularly with small businesses, which make up the bulk of our city’s employment, and is the source of most new job growth. Over the last six years or so, the City has assisted some 420 small businesses - everything from family-owned restaurants to manufacturers with 30 or 40 employees to large service businesses. But just like all the work we do in neighborhoods, we haven’t marketed what we do very well. So to that end, and to make sure we are serving the needs of small business, I am instituting the “Mayors Small Business Center” with a direct phone number to a member of our staff who will be assigned to coordinate calls of small businesses. I am naming economic development specialist Brent Hendren to this job of coordinating small business calls. Questions may be about how to get access to capital. Or how to improve or expand the real estate that you presently occupy. We can direct entrepreneurs to our network of business development specialists. And we can provide information about government assistance. Beginning next week, the Mayor’s Small Business Center will be reachable at 330.375. 2200. We can keep Akron moving in the right direction if we have a vision for the future, strengthen our neighborhoods, and we compete for the jobs of the next century. If we are to retain companies, we have to have an educated job force, and young people who want to live here. We have no more important asset to keep our young professionals happy than our link to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Rebecca Ryan told us to describe Akron as a “city within the park.” Our towpath bike and hike trail now extends from just south of Cleveland right up to West Market street. By this summer. I’m hoping that the tunnel under Market street and the bridge over Route 59 will be open, linking the trail to Downtown. We think that the new developments downtown will continue to attract young people and new families as well as many older residents. And keep in mind - - the additional incremental income tax from the added jobs in downtown pays the equivalent of 100 extra police officers in our entire city. The Roadunner Akron Marathon placed in the nation’s top marathons. The downtown Library and the Akron Zoo, are breaking attendance records. Last October on Main Street, we hosted firefighters from around the country in the Firefighters Combat Challenge. I’m pleased to announce that the LeBron James Bikeathon will be held this year on June 21st . Last year, the city took over management of Lock 3 and set new attendance records. Over 100,000 attended our free or low-cost concerts, the Hamburger Festival, the Farmers Markets on Saturday mornings; and over 70,000 visitors from all over the country attended the most authentic European Christmas Market in the U.S. –our Chriskindl Market at Lock 3. Just to the north, at Lock 4, behind the Civic Theatre, we demolished the old Landmark parking deck creating a spectacular view of the canal which will be part of a new development called “The Bowery.” The buildings between the Civic and the Landmark will start to see work this year as home to new shops, restaurants, and 70 apartments. Work starts this Spring. Saving our built legacy for the future is another way Rebecca Ryan told us we can attract young professionals. Last month, we saw the adaptive re-use of the old post office, The Charles Mayer Building, as home to Summa’s Information systems. In December, the Bar Association moved in to old Fire Station #1 on Broadway. The lock 4 project will preserve seven historic buildings along South Main, and of course, we are all proud of what is now the internationally-acclaimed work of architecture, the Akron Art Museum . I thank all of the individuals responsible for all of those successful projects. Supporting the arts is one way we support the retention and attraction of skilled workers to our community. We sponsored more than 70 performing arts concerts last year, 50 of them in our neighborhoods. The Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival allowed over 8,000 people the pleasure of free, outdoor ballet in our parks over 4 weekends. The Lock 3 Summer Arts Experience—in its 5th year, brought another 60 Akron high-schoolers into a unique experience with professional artist mentors. And Chrissie Hynde made it official. The composer of the rock and roll anthem, My City is Gone, announced that her city - Akron - was back. A prominent block of downtown real estate will become the city's newest address for residential living. Richland Communities will build an apartment community in downtown Akron to house 450 students attending the University of Akron on Main street between Exchange and Cedar. To do this project, we are relocating the Richard Howe House just a few blocks away to the banks of the Canal at Exchange and Water streets. It will become the new headquarters to the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition. We can keep Akron moving in the right direction if we have a vision for the future, strengthen our neighborhoods, we compete for the jobs of the next century, and we make Akron livable. None of our partnerships is more important than the continuing one we have with the University of Akron. In addition to playing a crucial role in the development of the Biomedical Corridor - We have joined with Dr. Luis Proenza and the University Park Alliance to re-build the 40-block area around the campus. The Knight foundation has already committed $10 million to University Park improvements, and I’ve committed the city to matching that grant. We’re well on our way with the construction underway at Spicer Village and the expanded studios and galleries that Don Drumm and his family are building. Clearly, the University’s plans for the Infocision Stadium and Summa Field will bring collegiate sports right into the central city next year, if all goes according to schedule. The University has moved into downtown with its well-used Polsky building and now the purchase of Quaker Square. Luis and I continue to discuss projects that will add energy and life to the city. As important as the University is now and will be to our future, and more about thast in a moment, we know that our competitiveness in the future is directly linked to K-12 education. Soon, every child in the Akron public schools will soon be learning their ABC’s, mathematics, and computer skills in brand-new Community learning Centers with advanced technology. I’m proud of the fact that Akron was the first city in Ohio to obtain matching funds for new school construction through the use of a special income tax. You might call it the “Akron Plan,” since we others are looking at our idea as a model. Already, Resnick, Voris, David Hill, Helen Arnold Betty Jane, Jennings, and Mason have been completed. Construction is underway for Crouse, Forest Hill, Robinson, and Sam Salem. A new center of excellence for math and science twill be housed inside the National Inventors Hall of Fame. I want to acknowledge the dedicated work of Superintendent Sylvester Small. We do have differences from time to time, but there has never been a moment when I did not think that he is motivated solely out of what he thinks is best for the children of Akron. And he understands that is what motivates me as well. I wish him well in his retirement. We are also using city tax dollars to help kids at other levels. Our city-sponsored after- school programs directed by Desiree Bolden have been highly successful. More than 1500 students are enrolled in the city-sponsored after school program. We operate almost 500 enrichment classes each week. In the hand-out on your table, you will see that students in the 3rd 4th and 5th grades who attend after school are getting better scores and greater gains than kids who do not attend. The Butch Reynolds Care for Kids program is part of that, but it focuses on African-American boys in grades 3 to 5, who often join the program because of behavior issues. At Helen Arnold CLC, the 36 boys in the program have not had a single disciplinary problem since being in the program. The school’s suspension rate decreased by 65%. The principal wrote to me to say that the boys look forward to staying after school. One mother wrote that her young son gained two father figures in the men who run the Butch Reynolds program. And I’m proud to report to you today that the City of Akron After School was just chosen by the Ohio Department of Education to be used as a statewide case model for after school study. Help me acknowledge the work of Desiree Bolden and her staff (applause) Another “Akron Plan,” you might say —but again, it’s nothing really new to us. The original “Akron Plan” for Education was the subject of a magazine article that we’ve placed at your table. It was a radical idea in 1840 to use public tax dollars to pay for an elementary education. When two of our pioneers - Ansel Miller and Rev.Isaac Jennings came up with the idea of electing a school board that hires a superintendent, collects a property tax, builds schools, and sets standards —this was revolutionary at the time. When the Ohio Legislature enacted this into law statewide in 1847, they were called the Akron School Laws, and imitated around the country. When Akron’s old stone schoolhouse was opened in 1835, readin’ and writin’ were enough to get a man a good job. In 1890, only half of Akron’s children made it to the 8th grade. When my dad came here to work in the tire factories, a high school diploma was an achievement. For most of us here today, a college degree was the threshold requirement for the job we presently hold. Now what? How do we prepare students today for the jobs that we are already brining here that require a higher level of education? If we are going to truly have a vision for our community that extends well into the 21st century, then getting our children through high school is simply not enough. Around the country, a few cities and some states have found a way. And have in the process, turned the trend that for whatever reasons — people have chosen to move out of the city and into the suburbs for public school. These cities and a few states made a promise to their children —that if they completed public high school as a resident of the city, a tuition-paid college education would be available to them. I’ve been working on this for a number of years; ever since I proposed selling the old landfill property and using the $10 million we would have received, to set up what some said would have been the largest public scholarship fund in the country. But for a variety of reasons, that didn’t materialize. But then I heard about the Kalamazoo Promise. High school graduates in the city get their college tuition and mandatory fees paid at a public college, from a trust fund set up by anonymous philanthropists and local businesses. New homes started springing up in Kalamazoo, and property values increased. People started moving back to Kalamazoo to help their children succeed. I’ve decided that it’s time for Akron to enact a scholarship program that will attract families to live in the city. A New “Akron Plan”. Imagine the results of a program that provides every child who graduates from an Akron public high school with the opportunity for a college degree at the University of Akron or a technical certificate from an advanced trade school in Akron. This would be the kind of transformation that can re-shape Akron for the rest of this century. We’ve invested in our school buildings. I say let’s invest in our students. The return on that investment to our city will be dividends far into the future. Obviously, there are lots of issues to be resolved when offering free college tuition. The program would require students to apply for all available aid first. Our community should not lose the federal funds that deserving students are entitled to receive. Some will be eligible for Pell grants and other scholarships. Many do that now, only to discover that even with such aid, they fall short. The Akron program would pick-up where other scholarships leave off and will provide the “last dollar” needed for tuition and mandatory fees. I want to thank Dr. Judy Hummel of the Summit Education Initiative for bringing this to my attention. Those of you with calculators in your brain are already asking where the money will come from to fund such a program. I’ve been watching cities around America re-invest in their infrastructure through the sale of publicly-owned assets to private concerns. For decades, taxpayers have made investments in infrastructure that have significant value. Upon sale, the cash realized from the transaction is “securitized,” or reinvested for a higher purpose. One available asset for sale is the city’s sewer system, conservatively valued at about $250 million. Within the next 30 days, I will call together a group of community leaders to examine how we might create a plan for securitizing a city asset by re-investing the funds into a public trust, and developing a plan to provide a publicly-funded education beyond high school. What higher purpose can there be than investing in our children? I know this sounds ambitious, and there are those with all of the best intentions who tell me that I should take it easy. That I don’t need to be controversial and constantly trying to change things. (You know the old saying, “It all pays the same.”) I appreciate that some of my friends are looking out for me personally. But I have learned how short a time we have on this earth and I am more convinced that in this highly competitive world we need to embrace change as our ally - use it to our competitive advantage and constantly try to improve, even if there are some people who never “get” it. I still get up every morning thinking about how to improve the city. In case you had any doubts, I’m just as enthusiastic today as I was 34 years ago as a 24 year old councilman. And I’m just as committed and just as determined (maybe more so) as I was 22 years ago when I became Mayor. I want us to work together and I want to provide the leadership necessary to make Akron even greater. And I invite all of you to join me in that effort. Thank You. questions or comments [email protected] 330-375-2538 Phone | 330-375-2335 Fax

I agree! In my opinion, downtown could really use some color.