Zahn/Treeside Renewal Plan

Since June, I’ve been talking with my neighbors here in the 8th Ward and find that their biggest concerns are the safety and integrity of our neighborhoods. We’re seeing declining property values due to the recession; home foreclosures are beginning to have an undesirable effect in the Ward, and there has been an increase in break-ins and burglaries throughout Ward 8.
Hardest hit is the Zahn/Treeside/N. Hawkins area of Akron’s Ward 8. Even though we have a strong neighborhood group in the Northwest Block Watch, the high concentration of Section 8 housing has taken its toll on this once pristine neighborhood. This group of committed neighbors has been fighting the good fight for years, but it is time for a bold plan to revitalize and rejuvenate this area.
With this in mind, as soon as I am elected to Akron City Council, I will utilize the power of Akron’s Planning, Housing and Zoning Departments to create the Zahn/Treeside Urban Renewal Plan. Akron has developed a number of these target areas, including renewal plans in Highland Square, Hickory Corridor, Market-Maple and other neighborhoods in the past, and full details are available on the City’s website.

http://www.ci.akron.oh.us/planning/common/hc_progs.htm

I will work with the  Planning Department, Mayor’s Office, AMHA, other members of Akron City Council and Northwest Block Watch to develop guidelines, boundaries and a solid plan that will bring this neighborhood back to its glory years. Under the Renewal plan, Akron can legally;

• Remove blighted properties which are deteriorated or attract nuisance activities
• Change zoning to match desired land uses and eliminate incompatible land uses
• Facilitate the development of new home construction and assure that existing structures meet present day development standards
• Develop new recreational opportunities including open space with proximity to Sand Run Metro Park

The guidelines are here, but Ward 8 needs a City Councilperson who can navigate the City’s bureaucracy to be effective. I have over six years of experience in developing and delivering projects for Akron residents, but at present this Zahn/Treeside project is just my plan. I am asking for your vote in the September 8th primary election, so we can begin the work to strengthen our neighborhoods, keep our property values high, and rebuild this important area of Ward 8.