Quick blurb from the PD, probably more news tomorrow

 

More housing in downtown Akron

 

Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic today announced a $30 million, 91-unit housing development on the edge of downtown. The development will include condos and townhouses and will be partially subsidized by city. Units will cost $175,000 and up.

 

 

I wonder if any of those are the same project as these that were announced last month:

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php?topic=2657.0

 

I'm not sure because they're unnamed.

Here's the press release from the City if Akron website, 4/25/05:

 

 

Date: 4/25/05

Contact: Mark Williamson ([email protected])

Phone: 330-375-2538

Fax: 330-375-2335

 

NEW HOUSING PLANNED DOWNTOWN

OFFICE, RETAIL ALSO COMING ‘NORTHSIDE’

 

Mayor Don Plusquellic has revealed plans to construct the first new market-priced housing in Downtown Akron in 20 years. Nearly one hundred condominiums and town homes priced $175,000 and up will be erected in the Northside area by the locally-owned Testa Companies. Construction is set to begin this summer.

 

"This is the missing ingredient in Downtown's ultimate success," said Mayor Plusquellic. "People want to buy homes in the downtown area to be close to work, health care, education, and entertainment. We are pleased to be partners with Paul and Joel Testa who are known for high-quality development projects."

 

Northside Lofts and Townhomes will consist of three multistory buildings of 63 condominiums and 28 town homes plus 21,000 square feet of retail and office space. The new development will be built between the Northside area -- identified by many Akronites as the home of Luigi's pizza -- and Ridge Street, the site of the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad's Downtown Akron station. Testa also proposes to construct a terraced walkway linking the train station to Northside restaurants and shops.

 

"It has been a dream of ours to create first-class housing in Downtown," said Joel Testa, chief operating officer of the Testa Companies. "My father and I feel a strong obligation to create something here that will last for decades and stimulate the revival of the entire area."

 

The new development of condos and town homes sits astride an area where multiple projects are already in progress:

 

* 1/2-mile to the northeast is the Hope 6 project that will replace AMHA's Elizabeth Park with 242 new rental units and 27 new homes for purchase, a blend of subsidized, affordable, and market-rate units.

 

* 1/4- mile to the north is the Cascade Locks Development Project centered on historic Mustill Store.

 

* 1/4 mile to the east is the $2.7 million construction of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath bikeway and hiking trail connecting Downtown with the Cuyahoga Valley National Park;

 

* 1 mile to the northwest is the Hickory Street Redevelopment Project of 36 new single family home sites, and a clustered development of 34 townhouses at Memorial Parkway.

 

"In addition to all we have going on," said Akron Planning Director Warren Woolford, "we are also excited about the planned expansion of nearby St.Vincent-St.Mary High School."

 

The total public and private investment in Northside Lofts and Townhomes will approach $30 million.

 

"This is no suburban green field," said the mayor. "It is a difficult site to build on, both from the standpoint of topography, and from the challenges presented by any development in an urban setting."

 

In addition to a high density of units, the city has insisted on parking of most vehicles below grade.

 

To enable the builder to borrow sufficient funds to meet the requirements of the city and to make the sale prices of the new homes affordable, Mayor Plusquellic outlined ways in which the city has and will invest in the project with the Testa Companies:

 

* The city has already acquired all the vacant land necessary, a $700,000 land-banking project that has been underway for several years, even prior to Testa's expressing interest in the area. Funds for acquisition came from the city's Community Development Block Grant funds (CDBG) from the federal government;

 

* $1.5 million in re-construction of North Howard, Ridge and High streets funded in part by Ohio Issue 2 money, which had been a planned improvement from the city's capital budget;

 

* $3.7million in tax increment financing (TIF), a value that will be captured from the improved value of the taxable real estate in the project. This will be the first time the city has used residential TIF for such a substantial project. The city will borrow the total sum now by issuing bonds, and the loan will be repaid over the coming years through increased tax payments to be made by the property owners. The Akron Public Schools will also share in the value of the improvements.

 

Terms regarding the use of TIF will be incorporated into a development agreement that is expected to be submitted to city council for approval prior to its recess in late July.

 

"Any day we can leverage $4 million to get $30 million in construction of new homes -- especially Downtown -- is a good day for the City," Plusquellic said.

 

http://www.ci.akron.oh.us/News_Releases/2005/0425.html

 

From the 11/3/05 Akron Beacon Journal:

 

 

RENDERING: This artist's rendering shows town homes and 10-story high-rises in the Northside Lofts project to be built downtown. A variety of units will be priced between about $170,000 and $684,000.

 

Housing touted as change for city

Downtown project using city tax incentive sells 27 units before start

By John Higgins

Beacon Journal staff writer

 

The developer seeking to bring big-city living to downtown Akron, Joel Testa, declared Wednesday at the groundbreaking for the Northside Lofts that the development will "change the face of Akron.''

 

The $35 million development on the north end of downtown, near Luigi's restaurant, has sold 27 of the first 32 units and will offer lofts, flats, penthouses and town homes priced between about $170,000 and $684,000.

 

The city kicked in a $3.7 million property tax incentive -- the first of its kind in Akron applied to a substantial housing development -- that will divert a share of property taxes that the new homeowners pay for 30 years to reimburse the city for its investment.

 

The development includes three parking decks for residents and area visitors and public "Grand Spanish stairs with cascading water walls connecting the Cuyahoga Valley Train Station to Northside and downtown.''

 

READ MORE AT:

http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/news/13069008.htm?source=rss&channel=ohio_news

 

Just an update from this weekend of the new Akron Art Museum - sorry the second pic is from a car but I was on a tight schedule:

 

 

Coming along nicely!

I passed by the Art Museum about a week ago.  It's really starting to take shape. 

 

I really love the design on paper; can't wait to see the finished project.

Part of the Akron Public Schools construction projects.  Groundbreaking for this school (or community learning center, as they like to call them) was a while ago (I believe in August of '05).  Glad to see they are finally moving along with construction; this neigborhood has lacked an elementry school for years (one of the main reasons my parents sent me and my siblings to private school versus busing us across town to go to another public school).

 

From the Akron Beacon Journal 4/11/2006

 

New school goes forward

Akron neighborhood will get long-awaited Helen Arnold primary

By Stephanie Warsmith

Beacon Journal staff writer

 

 

Many in the Lane Field neighborhood noticed the continued emptiness of the land and worried.

 

Some whispered that perhaps the promised elementary school in a neighborhood that has been without one for more than two decades wouldn't be built.

 

For them, hearing that the Akron school board awarded contracts Monday for construction of the Helen Arnold Community Learning Center will be a relief.

 

More at ohio.com http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/news/14314628.htm

 

From the Akron Beacon Journal 4/25/2006

 

 

Akron gets new critical-care unit

Summa's City Hospital ready to open first part of building to patients

By Cheryl Powell

Beacon Journal medical writer

 

 

Summa Health System is taking a critical step this week to expand care for the sickest and most severely injured patients.

 

After a decade of planning, Summa's Akron City Hospital is opening the first part of a new three-story building that's devoted entirely to intensive and coronary care.

 

More at ohio.com http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/14422357.htm

I don't think I read about this one anywhere else and I frankly can't believe I missed hearing about this until now, but here is the North Side Lofts in Akron (located next to the venerable Luigi's among others).

 

http://www.northsidelofts.com

 

And here are a few images from the site.

 

 

 

 

If you're on the Innerbelt going into Akron and have been wondering what that big yellow crane is, it's the North Side Lofts. Cheers to Akron for getting this one under way!

Nice!

I believe there was something posted about these a while ago.  They are very nice; I wish I was in the market to buy.

I have not heard of this developement.  It looks like the most significant residential developement in any of Ohio's downtownts.  Where did it emerge from? 

WOW! :clap: That is definately the best residential project under construction in Ohio. I tried to get onto the web site but it was down. Can someone give me the location of this project? Is it in the heart of downtown?

^It is very close to the heart of downtown. The best way I can describe its location is if you follow Main north, it lays just past rt. 57 on the hill to the valley that the Y Bridge crosses over to Cuyahoga Falls. Another way to describe it would be just to the north of Luigi's off of Furnace Street. I just tried the website and it worked for me, so you might want to give it another try.

 

I have not heard of this development.  It looks like the most significant residential development in any of Ohio's downtown ts.  Where did it emerge from? 

 

Check out this link for some idea of its origins. I'm sure there's more out there, but this is what a quick Google search found.

 

http://www.ci.akron.oh.us/News_Releases/2005/0425.html

Thanks cornercurve.  When you say you can see cranes from the innerbelt, which freeway is that.  8, 77 or 59.

The innerbelt is 59 aka the Martin Luther King Freeway. For more info on the innerbelt check here:

 

http://www.akroninnerbelt.org/noflash/resources.php

 

...this was from a thread somewhere in UrbanOhio.

I hope this is where Ohio city rivalries could be a very good thing. I wouldn't mind seeing more and more bigger and better developments.

i'll definitely consider living in the 2nd phase development in 3-4years.  Its a pretty good spot in Akron to be.  It has excellent views of downtown Akron with the about to be completed Akron Museum expansion in full view of this building.  The newly renovated Akron Public Library should be visible with its also very modern architure.  I imagine there are some eclectic views from this building with the Cuy Valley down the Northern expanse. Also St V -M(LeBron high) is expanding right across from Howard St. not sure what that will look like.  I expect also to be viewable are Tangiers domes,  Quaker Square silos, UA Polymer Sci building, and the Y-bridge. 

 

 

I was looking at the rendering concept site on the link provided, and google earth, and I noticed a rail station. What is it used for? I recall the rail station is over by quaker square.

I was looking at the rendering concept site on the link provided, and google earth, and I noticed a rail station. What is it used for? I recall the rail station is over by quaker square.

 

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad - http://www.cvsr.com/

 

It currently runs from Cleveland (southside) to Canton and has a number of partial and themed runs through the Cuyahoga Valley National Reserve.  It is also the line that could provide future commuter rail service into downtown Cleveland.

From the 5/11/06 Akron Beacon Journal:

 

 

PHOTO: Plans for Northside Lofts includes two 10-story buildings, 28 townhouses and more than 21,000 square feet of commercial space.

 

Lofty ideas rising near downtown

Furnace Street townhouse and condo complex will change views of city living, developer says

By Dave Scott

Beacon Journal business writer

 

Step out of your luxury condo, take the elevator down to the ground floor, walk north across the parking lot and you are at the edge of a hiking trail leading to the Cuyahoga Valley.

 

Head the other way, uphill, and you are at the edge of downtown.

 

If this doesn't change your view of Akron, then Joel Testa is out to change your mind -- and your way of living.

 

Testa Cos. of Cuyahoga Fallsis the main force behind a $35 million condo and townhouse complex going up on Furnace Street. The Northside Lofts project is intended to have two 10-story buildings and 28 townhouses and more than 21,000 square feet of commercial space.

 

 

 

Amenities at Northside Lofts

* Concierge offering hotel-like services.

* A limo kept on-site.

* A guest room available to be reserved by any resident.

* A 10th-floor patio-party area.

* Three restaurants, including at least one with upscale dining.

* At least one covered parking lot for every unit in the first two buildings.

 

 

READ MORE AT http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/living/community/14551976.htm?source=rss&channel=ohio_news

---

 

Finally an article on the future stadium at The University of Akron....

 

http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/14875239.htm

 

GO ZIPS!!!!!!!

8-)

From the 8/16/06 ABJ:

 

 

Kmart to perish quickly

Developers say they will demolish, rebuild on lot in Stow after store closes

By Mary Ethridge

Beacon Journal business writer

 

As soon as Kmart leaves the Stow Community Center in January, the wrecking ball will arrive at the popular shopping center.

 

Developers Diversified, the Beachwood-based company that owns the plaza, said it plans to demolish the Kmart section of the center, built in 1968, to make room for new tenants.

 

More at ohio.com

http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/business/15284716.htm?source=rss&channel=ohio_business

 

Hey Akronites, what's the big construction site and crane right outside of downtown near Elizabeth Valley????? Saw it from RT-8 and was intrigued!

^^BizBiz that is the Northside lofts. www.northsidelofts.com  Its phase one of 2.  Too bad you didn't get a closer look.  You would've seen construction going on not only there but also the wings over the art museum.

Public meeting TONIGHT in Akron regarding Cascade Locks

 

Meeting to address Cascade Mills plans

 

AKRON: The Cascade Locks Park Association will hold a public meeting on its plans to mark the historic Cascade Mills.

 

The meeting will be at 7 p.m. Thursday at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, 15 N. Maple St.

 

The association has formed a committee of interested parties and is working with consultants GPD Group to create open space where cereal magnate Ferdinand Schumacher's famous mill once stood along the Ohio & Erie Canal within the Cascade Locks Park.

 

Plans call for marking the footprint of the old building, adding a gateway structure at Howard and North streets and building trails and a public gathering place.

 

 

Knight Foundation gives $12 million to Akron projects

 

1:57 p.m.

 

The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation announced today that it is giving a total of $12 million to the the Akron Art Museum and the University of Akron.

 

A $10 million grant to the university will support the University Park Alliance's economic development plan to revitalize the neighborhood around the downtown college. Those efforts are expected to bring 500 new housing units, create 1,000 new jobs, attract new businesses and improve the neighborhood's infrastructure.

 

The museum received $2 million, which brings the foundation’s total contribution to the museum's capital campaign to $6 million. The museum's board of trustees has decided to name its new building in honor of the Knight brothers.

 

By Jennifer Gonzalez, [email protected]

http://www.cleveland.com/newslogs/plaindealer/index.ssf?/mtlogs/cleve_plaindealer/archives/2006_10.html#196404

anyone that wants to see what urban housing should look like, needs to go through these units.

 

these units are SPECTACULAR and in most cases very reasonably priced.  you can buy a "shell" - floor, windows, and exterior/fire walls for roughly $180,000 to start and basically customize it how you want.  maybe 25k to finish out with loft finishes or you could spend 100k and really fix it up. 

 

the parade of homes showcased about 7 finished units, plus the ability to walk through the unifinished areas to see views, etc. 

 

The parade of homes runs through Dec 10:

wed-fri: 5-9pm

sat: 12-9pm

sun: 5-6pm

 

$5 to get in

 

I hope cleveland developers take note:  This is exactly the type of development that downtown cleveland is missing.  well built, good location, multiple price levels. 

 

EDIT:  Here is the link where you can see the floorplans for the units on display

 

http://www.northsidelofts.com/story_detail.php?home_storiesid=17

 

Checked out the northside lofts on Sunday and brought my camera with to take a few pics.  It seemed appropriately busy for late afternoon on Sunday.  Definitely a fine new structure.  I wasn't overly blown away by the views.  It just seemed that on some units the main view is the wide boulevard of Howard St as you look into the valley and see it climbing up the hill to St. Thomas.  With the other units facing Akron the focal point is Luigi's and the car rack place with the city as a background.  Basically I didn't get a compelling feeling that I was getting a special perspective on the city or the valley.  This complex doesn't get a view of the art museum.  One can barely see the new library as it extends its shadow over Main St.  Most of the units we saw were just above street level.  Certainly there could be other units higher up that might have better vantage points.  The 2nd phase complex next door had excavation going on.  Unfortunately I still need to crop the pics down to put them on this website..  Here's a pic from the St. Thomas garage looking back at the Northside lofts crane and downtown Akron in May. 

Lofts dont have so many walls :(  Nice yes, views yes, affordable yes, lofts no.

^well, you can do what you want with the shell.  that is what i like about their concept.  if you want to finish the place off, fine.  if you want a toilet, shower, a bed in the middle of the room and cement floors, that is fine too. 

 

for the parade of homes, most of the units were more "finished" than a typical loft, but there were lots of different finishes - polished cement floors, wood, carpet, exposed ductwork, half walls, etc. 

Oh really? I was under the impression it was a shell as in no nice finishings, just some walls, no flooring, rough plumbing and electrical.

Hey all... haven't been on here in awhile; glad to be back and post some happy news.

 

Yea Akron!  :clap:

 

From the Akron Beacon Journal 12/16/2006

 

 

Next step downtown

7 buildings to be demolished or renovated; developer to add retail, resturants, and apartments

By John Higgins

Beacon Journal staff writer

 

The Akron Civic Theatre will anchor a $15 million downtown development project that is to bring restaurants, clubs, retail and market-rate apartments to South Main Street...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

John Higgins can be reached at 330-996-3792 or 800-777-7232 or [email protected].

http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/16254892.htm

Welcome back and great news!

Awesome!  It sounds like it will be almost "Riverwalk"-ish.

The home tour is long over, but here's the story.

 

 

PHOTO: Dustin Sommers from Cleaning Connection shines the hardwood floors in a condominium to be shown in the Vertical Parade of Homes.  Bob DeMay / Akron Beacon Journal

 

Home tour touts luxury, scenic views

City living looks up, out

Sophistication, comfort found in lofts with brick, steel and new attitude

By Mary Beth Breckenridge

Beacon Journal staff writer

 

Developer Joel Testa stood on the roof of the new Northside Lofts and looked toward Main Street in the distance.

 

"It really gives you a whole different feeling for the city,'' he said, gesturing across Martin Luther King Boulevard toward an urban canyon lined with a mix of century-old buildings and newer construction and dotted with landscaped traffic islands.

 

That whole different feeling is what Testa's company is trying to create with its Northside Lofts, a residential and retail development on the northern fringe of downtown Akron. Seven condominium units in the development's first building open today for public tours in what's being called the Vertical Parade of Homes, the first of its kind in the country.

 

 

 

http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/news/16095576.htm?source=rss&channel=ohio_news

 

omg its to cute I want more info does anyone know who I should call to find out more?

I like the website, but I just can't get into these "open floor plan" new build apartments units.  Give me a pre war building or a building built like one!  :-)

From the 4/13/07 ABJ:

 

 

Boston Heights rezoning allowed

Village Council backs proposal to redevelop golf course property

By Kimberley Sirk

Special to the Beacon Journal

 

BOSTON HEIGHTS - Village Council has approved legislation that could clear the way for the redevelopment of the former Boston Hills Golf Course into retail space and a residential neighborhood.

 

Council approved a request Wednesday to rezone almost 66 acres of the old golf course from residential to retail.

 

The vote came just a day after the council heard a report from consultant David Hartt, who was retained by the village to study the proposal for the golf course.

 

The report concluded that retail was the best use of the land -- given that "higher uses'' like office or industrial facilities are not practical in the current market...

 

http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/news/17071537.htm?source=rss&channel=ohio_news

 

Some updates for the Akron Art Museum expansion, taken this weekend:

 

 

 

 

From the 6/21/07 Canton Repository:

 

 

Details may derail hotel's plans in Green

 

GREEN Plans for a 121-room, extended-stay hotel got conditional approval Wednesday night from the Green Planning and Zoning Commission. But for Value Place Hotel, the devil may be in the conditions.

 

Matt Wells, development services director for the Wichita, Kansas, based chain, felt his bosses would nix the project when they learned of some of the conditions: No sign on the building dedicated to the chain's 800 number, and two signs advertising the weekly rate - $209 - must not shift colors, as is standard with the chain.

 

"The building seems to be very nice," said commission member Gerard Neugebauer. "To be quite frank, we think the signs look kind of trashy. At least I do."...

 

http://www.cantonrep.com/index.php?Category=9&ID=361069&r=16&subCategoryID=

 

From the 6/23/07 ABJ:

 

 

Spring sales of area homes fall from 2006

Fewer houses on market in April, May than year earlier. Realtor says buyers will keep advantage

By Marilyn Miller

Beacon Journal business writer

 

Housing sales have been steady in the Akron area in the past two months, but it's still a buyer's market.

 

"I think it will be a buyer's market for quite a while, at least for the next six months to a year,'' said Tom Campensa, president of the Akron Area Board of Realtors.

 

"Buyers are taking their time selecting what they want and going for the super-nice, clean homes that need little work and are priced correctly.''...

 

http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/business/17409128.htm?source=rss&channel=ohio_business

 

Also posted in the Restaurants, etc. section.  From the 7/4/07 ABJ:

 

 

Chrissie Hynde's eatery named

VegeTerranean's opening to include free concert; event tied to arts festival

By Lisa Abraham

Beacon Journal food writer

 

It will be called VegeTerranean.

 

The signs went up Tuesday, and work is scheduled to begin next week on Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Chrissie Hynde's restaurant in Akron's Northside Lofts at the edge of downtown.

 

The grand opening is slated for Sept. 15, when Hynde is to perform a free concert at her restaurant in the afternoon. Hynde, an Akron native and leader of the Pretenders, will perform accompanied by an acoustic guitarist, not the band.

 

The opening is being tied to an inaugural event called the Crossing Water Music and Arts Festival.

 

The festival, to benefit the Civic Theatre, will culminate with a concert of Akron-born musicians including Hynde, the Black Keys and possibly Devo, according to Joel Testa, chief operating officer of the Testa Cos., who is working with the Downtown Akron Partnership to develop the event. Testa Cos. owns the Northside Lofts, where Hynde's restaurant will be.

 

 

http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/entertainment/dining/17453758.htm?source=rss&channel=ohio_news

 

Posted on Tue, Jul. 17

Group to help spruce up old homes

Loans, technical assistance available in West Hill

By Katie Byard

Beacon Journal staff writer

Owners of vintage homes in West Akron have a new neighbor interested in fixing up old houses.

 

Cleveland Restoration Society, which offers low-interest, state-subsidized loans and technical assistance to encourage renovations of homes at least 50 years old, recently opened an office in Akron's West Hill neighborhood.

 

The society will hold an open house from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday at its new site: the Old No. 3 Firehouse, at 60 S. Maple St. in West Hill.

 

The restoration group's Akron office is in an appropriate place: The firehouse is a restoration project itself. It was purchased in 2005 by area developer Tony Troppe.

 

more at: http://www.ohio.com

 

 

From the Akron Beacon Journal - 7/24/2007

 

 

Council considers UA condo project

Beacon Journal staff report

 

Akron City Council on Monday had a public hearing on a contract with the developer for a 25-unit town home condominium project near the University of Akron.

 

The project is planned for the northeast corner of Brown and Power streets, just south of East Exchange Street. The council will consider the bill at next Monday's meeting.

 

The town homes would range from one to three-bedrooms with 1,820 to 2,900 square feet, and would be priced at about $200,000, not counting upgrades.

 

The town homes would feature rooftop decks for patios and gardens. Two-car garages would open into a courtyard.

 

The city is acquiring property to extend Kirn Street from Crouse Street to Power Street. The city also would create a pedestrian walkway fronting the north row of condominiums, eliminate Gray and Emmet courts and provide street, water and sewer improvements.

 

The developers -- ASW Spicer Village LLC and 473 Brown Street LLC -- hope to attract young professionals employed downtown or at the University of Akron who want to walk to work.

 

http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/17534093.htm

How much housing/retail is around the U of A area?

[shadow=red,left]How much housing/retail is around the U of A area?[/shadow]

 

There is quite a bit around the university with several proposals in the works.  Downtown is right next to the university to the west.  On the south side is the zip strip along exchange.  It is mostly a collection of college bars, restaurants, coffee shops, etc.  South of the zip strip is university park, which is mostly old 1920's frame houses with some apartment buildings mixed in.  A lot of the university park area is undergoing a transformation right now.  Many of the old houses are being torn down, and there is a new park going in on brown st. which is going to have a softball field and a soccer field for intramural sports.  The new football stadium is going on the north end of exchange st.  There is a thread on that with the details about it.  There is also a proposal called spicer village that will be built between brown and spicer streets.  It has been in the property aquisition phase for a few years now, but by judging by the amount of houses torn down in the area, it appears they have most of the land they need for it.  Here is the information on that from the city's website.

http://www.ci.akron.oh.us/News_Releases/2005/0311.html

 

Large-scale redevelopment plan for Summit village

Lakemore a bit uneasy

Lack of specifics for renewal effort worries residents

By Rick Armon Beacon Journal staff writer

Published on Saturday, Aug 04, 2007

 

LAKEMORE: With Summit County poised to approve a multiyear, multimillion-dollar redevelopment plan for Lakemore, many residents appear more apprehensive than excited about the future investment in their village a one-time resort town at the southern tip of Springfield Lake.

 

''Everybody is confused,'' Cheryl Smith, 42, said while floating in a rubber pool in her driveway to escape the recent heat. ''Residents are afraid they are getting their homes torn down, especially the elderly.''

 

County and village officials announced a sweeping renewal plan in May that includes razing blighted homes, fixing flooding problems, installing sidewalks and a lakeshore trail, encouraging new businesses and homes to be built, adding a 30-foot fishing pier, and developing a new traffic pattern for wider streets.

 

County Council is expected to act on the 40-page document Monday. (A copy of the plan is available at the Summit County site, Department of Development, Lakemore Community Investment Area Plan.)

 

more at: http://www.ohio.com

Historic home to move

By Chris Hyser 

Created: 10/17/2007 11:40:05 AM

Updated:10/17/2007 11:50:15 AM

 

AKRON -- A piece of the past is making way for a big chunk of the future.

 

The Richard Howe House, built in 1836, will be relocated from its current home at the corner of East Exchange and South High Streets.

 

The city will then partner with a developer to being more downtown housing to the land.

 

Marty Mehall will build an apartment community on the site, which will exclusively house students attending the University of Akron.