I'd say the factor is that it is a super competitive market in Akron. West point market is fairly comparable to dorothy lane. I suspect the lower end markets are in both with dollar stores, gfs, and Aldis and i'll add Walmart and Target.  The middle market would be where the Krogers are in Dayton. The equivalent in Akron is Giant Eagle. Krogers were pushed out of Akron area by Giant Eagle 20 years ago.  I don't think that there is an equivalent chain to Acme in Dayton.  There are also other chains like Dave's, Marc's, and Discount Drug Mart in the Akron market that will undercut Acme.  Other higher end grovcery chains are on the periphery of the Akron market but haven't totally entered like Heinen's and Buehler's.  With Mustardseed market that is filling the niche a Whole Foods might go after, the pie is cut in so many slivers in Akron, its hardly worth coming in.

^Lofinos was Dayton's Acme though there is only one left.  Kroger is far too powerful and Cub Foods just left the area last year.

Acme has 17 stores in Greater Akron and Giant Eagle has nearly that many as well.

Location wise, I think it would fit best in Fairlawn / Montrose which already has the following:

Marc's, Giant Eagle, Acme, Earth Fare, Wal-Mart (new location in a couple of years), World Market

 

As audidave stated, not much room left for competition.

Considering the options jeremyck01 already mentioned above (only correction: in Akron, it's not West Side Market, it's West Point Market ... a common juxtaposition), I really don't miss Whole Foods that much.  If I'm already in the Cleveland area for other reasons, I'll stop in at the Cedar Road one sometimes, but it's hardly a necessity given that that clientele already has a pretty decent number of options in the area.

Acme has 17 stores in Greater Akron and Giant Eagle has nearly that many as well.

Location wise, I think it would fit best in Fairlawn / Montrose which already has the following:

Marc's, Giant Eagle, Acme, Earth Fare, Wal-Mart (new location in a couple of years), World Market

 

As audidave stated, not much room left for competition.

 

Yeah, I was thinking that eventually emptied current Walmart location would be a good location for a Whole Foods if they decided to move into the area.

Considering the options jeremyck01 already mentioned above (only correction: in Akron, it's not West Side Market, it's West Point Market ... a common juxtaposition), I really don't miss Whole Foods that much.  If I'm already in the Cleveland area for other reasons, I'll stop in at the Cedar Road one sometimes, but it's hardly a necessity given that that clientele already has a pretty decent number of options in the area.

 

Haha, sorry, I was reading an article on  the West Side Market, so it was on my mind. 

Yeah, I was thinking that eventually emptied current Walmart location would be a good location for a Whole Foods if they decided to move into the area.

 

Plenty of parking for sure. I read somewhere though that it might just sit empty for years because Wal-Mart broke their lease and the developer is still going to make them pay for the space.

The website for "The Depot" is up, along with renderings. I will let you weigh in your opinions on the design. I know I have mine.  :wtf:

http://depotatakron.com/

 

Residence Inn by Marriott breaks ground in Fairlawn

9/12/2013 - West Side Leader

By Staff Writer

 

FAIRLAWN — The 107 all-suite Residence Inn by Marriott in Akron/Fairlawn has broken ground.

 

Located at 4080 Embassy Parkway, the Residence Inn Akron/Fairlawn will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned by Radius Hospitality Development and managed by Radius Hospitality, of Canton. A rendering is shown above.

 

According to company officials, rates for the Residence Inn will be consistent with the market and will vary depending on length of stay.

 

http://akron.com/akron-ohio-real-estate.asp?aID=20387

 

 

Central-Hower lease agreement refined

9/12/2013 - West Side Leader

By Becky Tompkins

 

This past December, just before a state deadline, the Akron Public Schools (APS) sold Central-Hower High School to The University of Akron (UA) for $13.5 million in future merit scholarships for APS graduates.

 

The building was not being used as a high school due to declining enrollment. But the APS is now leasing 47 percent of the building’s space to house its STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) high school.

 

http://akron.com/akron-ohio-education-news.asp?aID=20373

East End project developer expects major work to start soon at former Goodyear complex

 

By Jim Mackinnon

Beacon Journal business writer

Published: September 13, 2013 - 07:05 PM

 

 

The East End redevelopment of the former Goodyear headquarters complex is behind schedule but ground could break on a new hotel at the site in 30 days, the developer says.

 

Delays largely involve finishing architectural designs and getting final permits for necessary renovations, said Stuart Lichter, leader of California-based Industrial Realty Group, which is spearheading the project. The architectural work is more than 75 percent complete, he said this week.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/top-stories/east-end-project-developer-expects-major-work-to-start-soon-at-former-goodyear-complex-1.428648

 

Fairlawn loses Omnova headquarters to Beachwood

 

Beacon Journal staff report

Published: September 17, 2013 - 09:43 AM | Updated: September 17, 2013 - 10:27 AM

 

Omnova Solutions Inc., the Fairlawn surfaces and laminates maker whose roots in Akron date to its founding as General Tire & Rubber Co., announced today it will build a new headquarters in the Cleveland suburb of Beachwood.

 

Omnova said in a three-page news release that approvals for the project were received Monday night from both the Beachwood City Council and the Warrensville Heights Board of Education in separate meetings.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/break-news/fairlawn-loses-omnova-headquarters-to-beachwood-1.429535

Project will transform East Akron; 27 new homes to be built, other plans in works

 

By Stephanie Warsmith

Beacon Journal staff writer

Published: September 25, 2013 - 09:43 PM

 

Grady Appleton doesn’t just want to build new houses.

 

He wants to rebuild a neighborhood.

 

Appleton, executive director of East Akron Neighborhood Development Corp. (EANDC), an organization that recently celebrated its 30th year, is thinking big with his latest project, which kicked off Wednesday with a groundbreaking.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/project-will-transform-east-akron-27-new-homes-to-be-built-other-plans-in-works-1.431867

County forecloses against owner of former Rolling Acres Mall

 

By Betty Lin-Fisher

Beacon Journal business writer

Published: September 26, 2013 - 09:14 PM

 

The city of Akron could take over the property of the former Rolling Acres mall if foreclosure proceedings for delinquent taxes are successful and a sheriff’s sale does not lead to a new private owner.

 

Summit County Fiscal Officer Kristen Scalise has begun foreclosure proceedings against Premier Ventures LLC, of California, which has not paid taxes on the property since it was acquired in late 2010.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/top-stories/county-forecloses-against-owner-of-former-rolling-acres-mall-1.432104

Auction planned at Rubber Bowl

 

By Carol Biliczky

Beacon Journal staff writer

Published: October 13, 2013 - 06:18 PM | Updated: October 14, 2013 - 07:42 AM

 

After that, it’s go time for the bowl’s new lease on life. Mason said his investors will pump $10 million to $12 million into new turf, an aluminum overdeck system that will cover the concrete and seal it from further decay and a pre-fabricated press box.

 

“We’re actually looking at putting a dome on the stadium,” so that it could be used year-round. That would add another $15 million to $20 million to the bill, he said.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/auction-planned-at-rubber-bowl-1.436547

Developers eye Chippewa Lake Park as entertainment spot

 

By Phil Trexler

Beacon Journal staff writer

Published: October 14, 2013 - 08:29 PM | Updated: October 15, 2013 - 10:53 AM

 

Two brothers with lifelong ties to Chippewa Lake Park are seeking investors to turn the shuttered land back into an outdoor entertainment venue.

 

Scott and Brian Jones said their plans call for a pavilion and outdoor seating for 8,000 to host 30 musical acts a year. Their plans also call for 300 campsites on 30 wooded acres and an open-air market for more than 100 vendors.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/developers-eye-chippewa-lake-park-as-entertainment-spot-1.436843

Developers eye Chippewa Lake Park as entertainment spot

 

By Phil Trexler

Beacon Journal staff writer

Published: October 14, 2013 - 08:29 PM | Updated: October 15, 2013 - 10:53 AM

 

Two brothers with lifelong ties to Chippewa Lake Park are seeking investors to turn the shuttered land back into an outdoor entertainment venue.

 

Scott and Brian Jones said their plans call for a pavilion and outdoor seating for 8,000 to host 30 musical acts a year. Their plans also call for 300 campsites on 30 wooded acres and an open-air market for more than 100 vendors.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/developers-eye-chippewa-lake-park-as-entertainment-spot-1.436843

 

I'll be rooting for this to happen.

I'll be rooting for this to happen.

 

Me too, but it has already failed once: http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,3151.msg502890.html#msg502890

Akron Children’s Hospital expansion ahead of schedule

 

By Cheryl Powell

Beacon Journal medical writer

 

The $180 million expansion to Akron Children’s Hospital is ahead of schedule and under budget.

 

The seven-story addition to the downtown hospital campus is now expected to be finished Feb. 20, 2015 — two months earlier than originally planned, said Grace Wakulchik, the hospital’s chief operating officer.

 

“And we’re hoping it will be earlier than that,” she said.

 

http://www.ohio.com/lifestyle/akron-children-s-hospital-expansion-ahead-of-schedule-1.438839

Retail space opening up in Fairlawn

Published: October 23, 2013 - 06:36 PM

 

A prime real-estate area along West Market Street in Fairlawn is getting a new retail building, even though there’s no one slated to move in.

 

Area developer/construction contractor Todd Ederer said he’s confident the brick, stone, glass and steel structure next to Rockne’s restaurant and east of Miller Road, will attract one or more tenants.

 

http://www.ohio.com/business/retail-space-opening-up-in-fairlawn-1.439384

FirstMerit closes six Citizens Bank branches because of proximity to existing branches

 

By Betty Lin-Fisher

Beacon Journal business writer

Published: November 7, 2013 - 08:00 PM | Updated: November 7, 2013 - 08:38 PM

 

The recent moves of some bank branch offices in Fairlawn were precipitated by FirstMerit’s closure of the former Citizens Bank branch on Smith Road.

 

On Oct. 18, FirstMerit closed six Citizens branches in Northeast Ohio because of their proximity to existing FirstMerit branches, said spokesman Rob Townsend.

 

http://www.ohio.com/business/firstmerit-closes-six-citizens-bank-branches-because-of-proximity-to-existing-branches-1.443143

 

CFBank planning move in Fairlawn

 

By Betty Lin-Fisher

Beacon Journal business writer

 

Published: November 7, 2013 - 07:43 PM | Updated: November 7, 2013 - 08:38 PM

 

A bank building shuffle is about to take place in Fairlawn.

 

CFBank, headquartered in Fairlawn with four branches, has sold its building on the corner of Smith and Ghent roads to Westfield Bank.

 

That means Westfield will move from its location on West Market Street.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/top-stories/cfbank-planning-move-in-fairlawn-1.443135

Akron City Council approves 60-unit apartment building for veterans, homeless, disabled in North Hill

 

By Stephanie Warsmith

Beacon Journal staff writer

Published: December 9, 2013 - 10:23 PM | Updated: December 10, 2013 - 10:46 AM

 

Akron council members not only approved a controversial new apartment building for veterans, the homeless and the disabled in North Hill on Monday — they voted to make it larger than originally proposed.

 

Joel Testa, the developer, initially asked for 40 units, but bumped his request up to 60, based on the need in the community. He said Continuum of Care, which surveys the homeless in the area, estimates 388 additional beds are needed to service the homeless. He argued against putting off the project, as one councilman suggested, because of the need.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/akron-city-council-approves-60-unit-apartment-building-for-veterans-homeless-disabled-in-north-hill-1.451206

I reluctantly post the following:

 

An arena for Akron: Who wants it? Where should it go? Who will pay? Is it a good idea?

 

By Stephanie Warsmith 
and Katie Byard

Beacon Journal staff writers

Published: December 28, 2013 - 06:33 PM | Updated: December 29, 2013 - 02:16 AM

 

When the University of Akron basketball team travels to a campus with a newer and bigger arena, player Jake Kretzer imagines what it would be like if this were home.

 

He changes the seats to navy blue, and he hears the roar of a swelling crowd of Zips fans.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/an-arena-for-akron-who-wants-it-where-should-it-go-who-will-pay-is-it-a-good-idea-1.455683

Zip line near Summit Lake in South Akron still alive

Published: December 31, 2013 - 09:46 PM

 

Cascade Locks Park Association moving forward after year of change

 

Plans to build a zip line along the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail in Akron are still alive.

 

The No. 1 site being explored is near Summit Lake in South Akron, said Ferris W. Brown, the former executive director of the Cascade Locks Park Association.

 

“The plan is alive ... and we’re limping along,” he said.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/zip-line-near-summit-lake-in-south-akron-still-alive-1.456340

 

Here is a photo from afar of the Children's Hospital progress:

 

Akron Children’s Hospital holds ceremony for construction project

 

Beacon Journal staff report

Published: April 2, 2014 - 06:29 PM

 

Akron Children’s Hospital’s multimillion-dollar campus expansion is reaching new heights.

 

The pediatric hospital held a topping-off ceremony Wednesday for its seven-story addition.

 

http://www.ohio.com/business/akron-children-s-hospital-holds-ceremony-for-construction-project-1.477891

Save-A-Lot set for Summit Lake neighborhood

 

By Stephanie Warsmith

Beacon Journal staff writer

Published: April 14, 2014 - 10:50 PM | Updated: April 15, 2014 - 10:56 AM

 

Summit Lake can add yet another item to its growing list of recent investments — a full-service grocery store.

 

A Save-A-Lot is planned for an empty building that once housed an Acme Express drugstore and a Kroger grocery store, but has sat vacant for many years. The 16,200-square-foot building is at 25 W. Miller Ave., at Old Main Street.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/break-news/save-a-lot-set-for-summit-lake-neighborhood-1.480754

 

 

 

Dollar General in Merriman Valley moving, but not far

 

By Stephanie Warsmith

Beacon Journal staff writer

Published: April 15, 2014 - 10:47 AM

 

The Dollar General in Akron’s Merriman Valley is moving, but it isn’t going far.

 

The store, which leases space at 1770 Merriman Road, plans to have a new building constructed three lots down, at 1730 Merriman, where a former deli will be razed.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/dollar-general-in-merriman-valley-moving-but-not-far-1.480832

Rubber Bowl developer punts on pro football, moves forward on plan to add dome

 

By Dave Scott

Beacon Journal staff writer

Published: April 16, 2014 - 08:14 PM

 

The developers who recently bought the Rubber Bowl are punting on their pro football idea but pursuing plans to add a dome and make the site an entertainment venue.

 

“The facility is going to become a multi-use entertainment facility,” Sean Mason, of Team 1 Marketing Group, said in an interview this week. “We will have concerts, sporting events — boxing, mixed martial arts and wrestling — so those are the things that we’ve been working on and have pretty much in line.”

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/local/rubber-bowl-developer-punts-on-pro-football-moves-forward-on-plan-to-add-dome-1.481275

 

Council OKs new Dollar General in Merriman Valley

 

4/17/2014 - West Side Leader

By Stephanie Kist

 

DOWNTOWN AKRON — Akron City Council heard input on two West Akron requests at its April 14 meeting.

 

Public hearings took place on two requests for conditional-use permits. The first request, which was approved by Council, pertained to a new Dollar General location at 1730 Merriman Road. A current structure at that address will be razed, and a new building constructed. The current Dollar General store nearby is being vacated.

 

http://akron.com/akron-ohio-community-news.asp?aID=22677

 

Shaw JCC of Akron launches construction of new aquatics facility

 

4/17/2014 - West Side Leader

By Staff Writer

 

According to JCC officials, the indoor pool at the Shaw JCC closed in the summer of 2013 after a structural engineer determined that its 40-year-old roof was no longer viable.

 

The renovations of the indoor pool area will include a few modifications to increase safety and accessibility: it will have nonskid tiles to help prevent children and adults from slipping in the indoor pool; it will have easy access into the pool for people with disabilities (American with Disabilities Act approved); and the whirlpools will be moved to the deck of the pool, where their use can be supervised, according to JCC officials. The locker rooms will be included in the renovations, as well.

 

http://akron.com/akron-ohio-entertainment-news.asp?aID=22719

 

Woodridge studying future of school buildings

 

4/17/2014 - West Side Leader

By Becky Tompkins

 

PENINSULA — Several of the schools in the Woodridge Local School District are in need of major renovation or actual rebuilding, and the district is studying the needs, community desires and how to pay for the work.

 

From a survey conducted online and at a community dialogue held Feb. 13, the Facility Planning Committee determined that most of the respondents said they would prefer to have three school buildings instead of the current four. The three would be an elementary school for prekindergarten through fifth grades, a middle school for sixth through eighth grades and a high school for ninth through 12th grades.

 

http://akron.com/akron-ohio-community-news.asp?aID=22676

 

Firestone, Litchfield construction bids OK’d

 

4/17/2014 - West Side Leader

By Becky Tompkins

 

Total cost for the contracts is $61.8 million, according to district officials. Fifty-nine percent of the cost is coming from the state, with the other 41 percent from a 0.25 percent addition to Akron’s city income tax approved by voters in 2003.

 

The $61.8 million approved should cover the remainder of the construction, he said, except for furniture and demolition of the old Firestone building after the new one is complete. The target date to move into the new CLC is fall 2015, he said.

 

http://akron.com/akron-ohio-education-news.asp?aID=22694

An interesting admission in this article that indicates the city is still pushing and planning for a downtown arena.

 

Yanni beat me by 12 seconds on posting the same thing.

Work begins on pioneering plastics-to-fuel plant in southeast Akron

 

By Katie Byard

Beacon Journal business writer

Published: April 22, 2014 - 10:52 PM

 

 

Akron city officials joined in a ceremonial groundbreaking Tuesday — on Earth Day — for a pioneering Vadxx Energy plant that will turn waste plastic into energy.

 

“Happy Earth Day,” said James Garrett, CEO of startup Vadxx Energy LLC, to those gathered in a tent under overcast skies. He noted the plant in southeast Akron essentially will be a recycling facility for otherwise nonrecyclable plastic.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/top-stories/work-begins-on-pioneering-plastics-to-fuel-plant-in-southeast-akron-1.482754

 

State panel signs off on $5.5 million in improvements to Blossom Music Center

 

Beacon Journal staff report

Published: April 21, 2014 - 04:45 PM

 

The Ohio Controlling Board signed off Monday on $5.5 million in repairs to Blossom Music Center in Cuyahoga Falls.

 

The funding request was made by Kent State University and the Musical Arts Association to reimburse them for previous repairs to the popular concert and festival venue.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/state-panel-signs-off-on-5-5-million-in-improvements-to-blossom-music-center-1.482450

Some pics taken by a friend of mine of recent and ongoing downtown developments.....

 

401 Lofts

 

Glad they left room between the CSX tracks and these townhouses for Akron Metro RTA's right of way and future commuter rail!

Any chance for an adult style arcade like d&b to find it's place near downtown or in the rebuilding by goodyear?

Any chance for an adult style arcade like d&b to find it's place near downtown or in the rebuilding by goodyear?

There were actually plans for a Downtown Akron Dave and Busters about 10 years ago to go into space adjacent to the Civic Theater. They never materialized, likely in no small part due to the market crash in 2007-2008, but also because of Akron's sluggish economy, which wasn't helped any by the crash.

 

Also, we used to have a Jillian's on South Main where ZAR/22 Exchange is now located. It inexplicably closed in 2007 and the building it was in was later demoed to make room for the 22 Exchange complex.

 

I do think some kind of mixed-use entertainment facility similar to Jillian's or D&Bs would really thrive in Downtown Akron now. Jillian's for a long time was THE go-to place for anyone wanting to hang out in downtown, well before the invasion of student housing. I still don't understand why they closed--they never seemed to be hurting for business. They left a void that has yet to truly be filled by anyone, but perhaps something will eventually come along to replace them.

Any chance for an adult style arcade like d&b to find it's place near downtown or in the rebuilding by goodyear?

Also, we used to have a Jillian's on South Main where ZAR/22 Exchange is now located. It inexplicably closed in 2007 and the building it was in was later demoed to make room for the 22 Exchange complex.

 

I do think some kind of mixed-use entertainment facility similar to Jillian's or D&Bs would really thrive in Downtown Akron now. Jillian's for a long time was THE go-to place for anyone wanting to hang out in downtown, well before the invasion of student housing. I still don't understand why they closed--they never seemed to be hurting for business.

 

Inexplicable to say the least. They spent tons renovating that building. They made it very attractive. And to see it torn down so quickly was disheartening, as there were nearby vacant lots and decrepit buildings that have stood vacant for 30 years. Stupid.

Improvements needed to make Montrose more attractive to pedestrians

 

By Bruce F. Griffin

Published: May 18, 2014 - 11:12 PM

 

COPLEY TWP.: Built around easy automotive access, planners believe the busy Montrose shopping district could be more pedestrian friendly and more visually appealing.

 

The shopping district that encompasses parts of Bath and Copley townships received a $50,000 AMATS grant to study land use and aesthetics, public transportation, bicycle and pedestrian improvements, vehicular access and circulation.

 

Initial results of the survey have been released.

 

Some 77 percent of respondents complained of disconnected parking lots that force them to get back into their vehicles to “get to a destination mere feet away.”

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/local/improvements-needed-to-make-montrose-more-attractive-to-pedestrians-1.489026

 

suburban problems...

^Yes, it is a problem.  Like it or not, Montrose is the area in Akron that has the most shopping and shoppers.  I was visiting town last week, and thought to myself "wow, Montrose really needs a streetscaping plan."  If this study can to anything to make the area better for pedestrians and more visually appealing (well, as visually appealing as a sea of parking lots can be, anyway) then I'm all for it.

^Yes, it is a problem.  Like it or not, Montrose is the area in Akron that has the most shopping and shoppers.  I was visiting town last week, and thought to myself "wow, Montrose really needs a streetscaping plan."  If this study can to anything to make the area better for pedestrians and more visually appealing (well, as visually appealing as a sea of parking lots can be, anyway) then I'm all for it.

 

That was my suggestion for the survey they did. They could add a boulevard with strategic turn lanes (people would somehow be confused) and add a solid landscaping buffer so it doesn't look like strip-mall city. Hopefully this would also slow traffic.

 

 

 

West Akron losing Henry’s Acme store

 

By Katie Byard and Stephanie Warsmith

Beacon Journal staff writers

Published: May 19, 2014 - 10:43 PM | Updated: May 20, 2014 - 09:12 AM

 

 

Hundreds of West Akron residents pushed hard — and vocally — for a full-service grocery store in the Hawkins Plaza in the late 1990s.

 

Their call was answered with the opening of Henry’s Acme in 2000.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/break-news/west-akron-losing-henry-s-acme-store-1.489236

^ "That was my suggestion for the survey they did. They could add a boulevard with strategic turn lanes (people would somehow be confused) and add a solid landscaping buffer so it doesn't look like strip-mall city. Hopefully this would also slow traffic."

 

I totally agree.  Also, how about updating the Montrose Regal movie theater? (I know that had nothing to do with the survey.  The place just drives me crazy)  It hasn't changed since I moved in 2001.  The place is very behind the times as far as modern movie theaters.  Their "stadium seating" is a joke.

 

Montrose needs a streetscaping plan, alright. It's called a wrecking ball, to tear down all of the haphazard development resulting from nonexistent zoning and planning.

 

Yeah, I know it's not going to happen, but it is nonetheless sad to think about what proper zoning laws and planning might have done for the area, one of many unintended consequences of 19th century township governments. Had Montrose been incorporated on its own or as a part of Akron or Fairlawn, it might today look more like Easton, Legacy Village or Crocker Park.

Montrose needs a streetscaping plan, alright. It's called a wrecking ball, to tear down all of the haphazard development resulting from nonexistent zoning and planning.

 

Yeah, I know it's not going to happen, but it is nonetheless sad to think about what proper zoning laws and planning might have done for the area, one of many unintended consequences of 19th century township governments. Had Montrose been incorporated on its own or as a part of Akron or Fairlawn, it might today look more like Easton, Legacy Village or Crocker Park.

 

Montrose and Streetsboro both fell victim to the "rise of the suburbs and strip-malls".

BruceWingesABJ ‏@BruceWingesABJ  20m

Akron and Summit Country make moves to attract new $500 million Goodyear tire plant http://www.ohio.com/news/local/summit-county-akron-union-making-bid-to-attract-new-goodyear-tire-plant-1.503419

BruceWingesABJ ‏@BruceWingesABJ  20m

Akron and Summit Country make moves to attract new $500 million Goodyear tire plant http://www.ohio.com/news/local/summit-county-akron-union-making-bid-to-attract-new-goodyear-tire-plant-1.503419

 

As great as I think that would be, I personally think that is a significant long shot.  The momentum and synergy for manufacturing tires in this area of the country has long since relocated to the Carolinas.  If for nothing else, they have an existing base of manufacturing and associated workforce with more very significant sized plants for other companies already in process.

 

The time to have been swinging for the fences would be when all the other companies were announcing their plans for new plants over the last 20 years.  Suddenly because it's Goodyear we really want a plant here?  Sure, the corporate HQ is here but what other reason is there for them?  What benefit is the plant being nearby to the HQ?  There's not, really.  The only mainstream tire production facility anywhere near here is Cooper and that's all the way out in Findlay.  South Carolina has or will have plants for Bridgestone, Continental, Giti, and others.

 

Where was Akron when Bridgestone was looking to build their plant a few years ago?  Where were they when Giti was looking last year?

 

http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304587704577335602200937084

 

"The migration of tire production out of Ohio to southern states has been spurred by state and local government tax incentives and the states' right-to-work laws that make union organizing more difficult."

 

That line right there says it all.  It puts the ball solidly in state and local government's court.

 

But now South Carolina has thousands of tire manufacturing jobs.  (Giti alone is expecting to add 1,700 to that figure.)  It's pretty hard to convince a company to locate a plant somewhere when now there is a clear center of activity in that field.  Build a plant here and you've got to relocate people from hundreds or thousands of miles away or train new ones.  Or you can park yourself next to all the other guys that already have that workforce readymade.

 

I say go for it.  Throw everything at it.  But it seems like the Rubber Capital of the World is coming really, really late to the party.

 

 

^to get a half billion dollar plant in Akron would be huge.  Akron area is doing ok and has been slowly moving forward the past 5-10 years. The big projects that have come along like the goodyear hq and firestone tech center have been just keeping in place what is already here. I can't recall a company adding more than 500 let alone 1500 jobs in Summit county in 20-30 years. Certainly companies have grown quickly like Summit Racing to add that many but that was over a long time period.

 

The benefits of placing a factory like that in Akron besides going back to the roots nostalgia are many.

  • Akron built the tire industry and many of the related service companies are close by

  • Akron is close to the sources of energy needed to make tires aka shale deposits

  • The infrastructure of Akron was built to handle many large rubber factories.

  • Fairly easy access to a diverse experienced workforce.

As we sit at the precipice of Decision 2.0, this to me also makes sense for tire building to come back to Akron.

I say go for it.  Throw everything at it.  But it seems like the Rubber Capital of the World is coming really, really late to the party.

 

I say the party ebbs and flows based on what its participants do. Akron hasn't been a participant since the rubber jobs disappeared in the 1980s. It's up to them if they want to participate again.

^to get a half billion dollar plant in Akron would be huge.  Akron area is doing ok and has been slowly moving forward the past 5-10 years. The big projects that have come along like the goodyear hq and firestone tech center have been just keeping in place what is already here. I can't recall a company adding more than 500 let alone 1500 jobs in Summit county in 20-30 years. Certainly companies have grown quickly like Summit Racing to add that many but that was over a long time period.

 

Absolutely.  I think it would be fantastic.

 

Seriously though:

 

The benefits of placing a factory like that in Akron besides going back to the roots nostalgia are many.

  • Akron built the tire industry and many of the related service companies are close by

 

That is nostalgia though.  And what related service companies are left that are related to tire manufacturing?  Most third party service businesses have either long since left, closed up shop, or changed industries.  Not saying there aren't any, but...

 

  • Akron is close to the sources of energy needed to make tires aka shale deposits

 

I'm not an expert on the correlation between natural gas and manufacturing, but I don't see that being closer or further from natural gas deposits seems to have much relation to where manufacturing facilities are located.

 

  • The infrastructure of Akron was built to handle many large rubber factories.

 

What infrastructure is left that would be beneficial?  Those plants were based around rail, much of which has been removed.  Trucking has supplanted rail for much of the logistics anyway, and we even have lost the bulk of the huge amount of trucking infrastructure we used to have.  The old tire plants had their own powerhouses which have been shut down, not that they would reopen a tire factory on one of the old sites.  All of the workforce (save the handful that are still here making racing tires) that was trained to build tires is completely gone.  I live in Akron and I don't see any infrastructure that stands out as catering to tire manufacturing.

 

  • Fairly easy access to a diverse experienced workforce.

 

Does this really stand out?  What diverse, experienced workforce do we offer than any other metro of a reasonable size doesn't?  And even so, how would that be more beneficial than being located next to 6,000 people who are trained to do exactly what they want them to do already?

 

I'm not trying to be a jerk about it but looking at it objectively, why?  Those are things I would ask myself if I was a detached Goodyear executive evaluating locations.  And we still have the Union issues to contend with that other areas do not.

 

I am as big of a cheerleader for our region as anyone (and probably more than many), but I think we need to take off the rose colored glasses.  How is it that the Carolinas have become such a hub for tire manufacturing?  Is it strictly tax incentives and less of a Union issue?  Is it more?  Are they better positioned geographically?  What are the real issues at hand here?

 

I don't think rural South Carolina, Alabama, or Oklahoma are magical places.  But obviously they offer some attraction, and it's not because they have some great, diverse workforce or infrastructure built for the tire industry.

 

Akron doesn't have nearly as much happening as Cleveland, but here is one reason to get excited: Akron is getting it's own indie cinema called The Nightlight Theater. Just one screen for now, but that's a start. I wish it had been there when I was living in Akron. I always made the trip to The Cedar Lee in Cleveland Heights.

 

http://www.wksu.org/news/story/39284

 

http://www.nightlightcinema.com

 

Edit: There is also an article about this at Ohio.com which is the Akron Beacon Journal's website, but after Ohio.com's horrible redesign of their homepage a month or two ago, I'm having trouble accessing it on my iPhone.

^ I love that it's located right Downtown.

Hotel building boom, fueled by improving economy, has years to play out, developers say

 

By Jim Mackinnon

Beacon Journal business writer

 

Published: July 19, 2014 - 10:34 PM | Updated: July 21, 2014 - 07:11 AM

 

New hotels on the way in Summit and Stark counties

 

Bennett Construction Management Inc. finds itself right in the middle of a hotel building rebirth in Summit and Stark counties.

 

“We’re doing four of them,” said Bill Bennett, president of the Akron construction services firm that bears his name. “Fairlawn and three in Canton.”

 

http://www.ohio.com/business/hotel-building-boom-fueled-by-improving-economy-has-years-to-play-out-developers-say-1.506097

 

New hotels on the way in Summit and Stark counties

 

Published: July 19, 2014 - 10:47 PM

 

Hotel building boom, fueled by improving economy, has years to play out, developers say

 

New, under construction, and potential hotels in Summit and Stark counties.

 

• Residence Inn by Marriott, Arlington Ridge East, Green. 80 rooms/suites. Opened June 2014.

 

• Residence Inn by Marriott, Embassy Parkway, Montrose area of Bath Township (billed as Akron/Fairlawn location). 107 rooms/suites. Fall 2014 opening planned.

 

• Hilton Garden Inn, East Market Street, Akron. 139 rooms. Fall 2014 opening planned.

 

• Homewood Suites, Springside Drive, Bath. 105 rooms. Fall 2014 opening planned.

 

STARK COUNTY

 

• Springhill Suites, Dressler Road SW, N. Canton. 103 suites. Opened June 2014.

 

• Hyatt Place, Belden Village. Fall 2014 opening planned.

 

• Fairfield Inn, Faircrest Road exit, I-77, Canton. September 2014 opening planned.

 

• Staybridge Suites, Everhard Road, N. Canton. 93 rooms. Spring 2015 opening planned.

 

• Embassy Suites, Shuffel Road exit, I-77, N. Canton. Spring 2015 opening planned.

 

• Comfort Inn & Suites, Hartville. 83 rooms. Early 2015 opening planned.

 

Under discussion:

 

• Hampton Inn, Alliance.

 

• Best Western, Faircrest Road exit, I-77.

 

• Holiday Inn Express, Faircrest Road exit, I-77.

 

Sources: Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau, Canton/Stark County Convention & Visitors Bureau.

 

http://www.ohio.com/business/new-hotels-on-the-way-in-summit-and-stark-counties-1.506116

 

Reposting this.  It more elegantly goes over the points i made a few posts up.

 

Would Goodyear actually build its $500 million plant in Akron?

 

By  John Harper, Northeast Ohio Media Group   

Email the author

on July 21, 2014 at 1:30 AM, updated July 21, 2014 at 5:15 PM

 

AKRON, Ohio -- It has been decades since a brand new rubber or tire factory opened in the nation's once-esteemed rubber capital. Upon announcement of a proposed $500 Goodyear tire plant a community in South Carolina is already claiming dibs and is preparing tax incentives.

 

That is not discouraging Akron city officials from opening their doors and arms to Goodyear.

 

What's more, local economists believe Akron may have its best shot in decades at seeing a new tire plant open for business in Northeast Ohio.

 

"That Akron is in the mix demonstrates to me a tremendous change in attitude," said Michael Jalbert, a labor attorney who has represented local labor groups."It is going to send a signal not just to Ohio or the rubber industry, but to a lot of major manufacturers who have departed to ports unknown."

 

http://www.cleveland.com/akron/index.ssf/2014/07/would_goodyear_build_akron.html

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“Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men's blood. " -- Daniel Burnham

 

 

Read more: http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php?topic=5120.70#ixzz3891DHgWB

LeBron James will build again on his Bath Township property

 

By Marilyn Miller

Beacon Journal staff writer

Published: May 3, 2013 - 11:23 PM

 

LeBron James’ property in Bath Township is about to undergo a small makeover.

 

James has sought — and received approval — from Summit County Council to combine the two adjoining properties he owns in Bath Township into one.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/local/lebron-james-will-build-again-on-his-bath-township-property-1.394959

 

West Akron seniors at odds over new Rockynol building

 

By Stephanie Warsmith

Beacon Journal staff writer

Published: July 22, 2014 - 09:31 PM | Updated: July 23, 2014 - 07:19 AM

 

A proposed building on the Rockynol campus in West Akron has pitted seniors living in the facility against other neighboring residents, with the two groups voicing their opinions during public hearings this week in the Akron City Council.

 

The issue wasn’t the project itself, but how the senior-housing campus, at 1150 W. Market St., would be accessed during and after the construction of the new $8.5 million assisted-living building.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/local/west-akron-seniors-at-odds-over-new-rockynol-building-1.506954

 

 

 

 

This is a letter to the editor, but a really interesting one from a local developer:

 

Letters to the editor - July 30

 

Your July 12 editorial, headlined “Like a startup,” urging further support for a re-purposed Austen BioInnovation Institute, was disappointing and perplexing.

 

After six years of effort, millions of dollars of capital investment and negative cash flow, and a current, gaping expanse between revenue and expenses, Beacon Journal readers deserve more than a fuzzy justification for the re-purposing of the institute. What we need are hard-hitting editorials explaining what went wrong, who is accountable, and thoughtful guidance for the community so such costly misallocations of financial and human resources can be avoided in the future.

 

http://www.ohio.com/editorial/vop/letters-to-the-editor-july-30-1.508796

Pretty cool jazz club opening up in Akron. https://www.facebook.com/blujazzakron