NORTH CANTON: Community leaders told a gathering that filled a large conference room at Walsh University last week that North Canton has an identity crisis.
“For more than a century, North Canton’s character has been linked to the Hoover Company. Now, in the post-Hoover era, it’s up to us to decide what we want to become,” said Bill Strohmenger, chairman of the community steering committee that helped to guide development of the Master Plan.
The plan — eight months in the making — was spearheaded by the city and the local Chamber of Commerce, as well as the steering committee. In three public meetings, residents spoke of their vision for the city. The Cleveland Urban Design Institute, affiliated with Kent State University, reviewed residents’ input to create the Master Plan.
“This is not the city’s plan. This is not the chamber’s plan,” Strohmenger said. “This is our [residents’] plan. We are in this together. The plan will only be successful if we join arms.”
North Canton’s pathway to the future is dependent on strategic use of potential development sites and investment in bike paths, walking trails and cultural events that enhance quality of life.
A logical and relatively inexpensive first step would be visually identifying the downtown area as the intersection of Main Street and East and West Maple Streets, anchored by the Hoover District and Bitzer Park, the plan says. Creative signage was suggested, as well as large flower boxes and trees.
An earthen amphitheater on the east side of Bitzer Park would require minimal changes to the site. The topography lends itself to seating levels built into the ground and provides a natural spot for concerts and other entertainment.
The plan also suggests new signs at entrances to the city and along other major corridors.A longer-range plan deals with sites for potential development. Mentioned are
the vacant former car lots at North Main and Charlotte streets; the former North Canton High School, also on Charlotte Street; Waterside Office Park on South Main Street; and the Kmart property on North Main Street, if it becomes available.
The largest developable site is the 105-acre Fairways at North Canton Golf Course. The city is exploring other uses of the municipally owned course that would respect surrounding residential areas. Possible new uses include an office park, a veterans facility and/or housing friendly to retirees. Some uses would retain a nine-hole golf course.
The next step is implementation of the plan.
“We’ll talk to anyone who will listen,” Strohmenger said. “Civic, social, school board or one on one. We want to generate enthusiasm.”
Chamber President Doug Lane promised the audience: “This plan will not be put on a shelf.”
The 86-page Master Plan can be found on the Chamber of Commerce website at www.ncantonmasterplan.org.
