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Firestone Park residents speak out to council
By Stephanie Warsmith
Beacon Journal staff writer
Published on Tuesday, Nov 18, 2008
Akron City Council members were under the impression no one was upset about a renewal plan for the Firestone Park neighborhood that involved the city acquiring several properties — possibly through eminent domain.
They were wrong.
Several residents and business owners from the neighborhood spoke against the plan Monday night, urging council members to reconsider the proposal for what the city has described as a ''blighted'' area.
''You're taking a bow and arrow to me to shoot me in the back,'' said Jeffrey Speegle, whose Hemlock Street house is among those the city wants to acquire. ''You come up with these fancy terms and say it's 'blighted.' It's not.''
The South-Wilbeth Urban Renewal Area plan is a key part of an economic development project involving Bridgestone Firestone. The tire maker is seeking to build a technical center in Firestone Park.
The renewal plan would authorize the city to use eminent domain, if necessary, to acquire and redevelop property in an area extending from the intersection of South Main Street and West Wilbeth Avenue south and west and along portions of Firestone Parkway. The city wants to bring new retail, commercial entertainment, recreational and residential development to the neighborhood.
Cheryl Catalanatto, who owns Tempest Motors at 1776 S. Main St., said she agrees that the area needs renewal but thinks her business should remain.
''I just think it would be a detriment for you to take our property,'' she said, adding that
she just found out about the renewal plan last week.
Ronald White, who owns a business on West Wilbeth Road and adjoining property, disagrees with the city's plans to rezone this area as part of its plan. He said if he ever wanted to expand, the new zoning wouldn't allow it.
Thomas Kulka, who lives on West Wilbeth Road, said a neighbor called and told him the city wants to take his house.
''I've lived there for 50 years,'' he said. ''I'm too old to move.''
Council members put off a vote on the renewal plan for at least a week.
Tina Merlitti, the Ward 7 councilwoman, said she was surprised to hear the concerns because none had come up at two previous public hearings. She said she will look into the issues that people raised.
''We're certainly going to work with people,'' she said.
In other business, several people testified during another council hearing both for and against a plan for an auto salvage business at 2039 Harlem Road, near the Rolling Acres shopping area. Those in favor say the business would fit in with other nearby companies, while opponents argued it would be a detriment to the already struggling area.
Council did not vote on the proposal.
Stephanie Warsmith can be reached at 330-996-3705 or swarsmith@thebeaconjournal.com.
Akron City Council members were under the impression no one was upset about a renewal plan for the Firestone Park neighborhood that involved the city acquiring several properties — possibly through eminent domain.
Get the full article here.
Comments
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Dalton Ave, Henderson, NV
Posted 05:55 AM, 11/18/2008
The renewal will not work until you get rid of the crime. Otherwise the thugs will be the only benefactors.
- Uncle Ed
Posted 06:39 AM, 11/18/2008
What about first finishing the Akron Public Schools problems. I mean "HELLO". Whatever money is being handed out for this should go for something useful for the whole city.
My Heart Is In K-Town, .
Posted 07:16 AM, 11/18/2008
@ Uncle Ed - I would be interested in how one rids crime - the current plan doesn't seem to be working as well as it could. Or do we need to be satisfied with crime reduction?
Tallmadge, OH
Posted 07:23 AM, 11/18/2008
The use of eminent domain in this instance is NOT justified. i hope these people fight the city tooth and nail to keep their properties. It's just wrong to use it to acquire peoples' properties. Just another reason to recall Mayor Donny Boy by some people in Akron.
Akron, OH
Posted 07:52 AM, 11/18/2008
Ah, shades of the Goodyear eminent domain fiascos.
I don't recall any of these folks cryin' foul durin' that.
They shouldn't worry too much. Since the city hall hero's tax plan and sewer lease plan were both defeated, I don't think he'll have the needed money to move forward on either the Goodyear or Firestone plans.
Posted 12:20 PM, 11/18/2008
The best way to end crime is to develop businesses and provide jobs. The city should continue with the redevelopment plan, but do so in a way that supports and capitalizes on existing successful businesses.
Akron, OH
Posted 12:46 PM, 11/18/2008
I don't know why someone would want to live that close to a chemical plant anyway.
akron, oh
Posted 12:53 PM, 11/18/2008
PUT THE RETAIL IN PLANT ONE, UNDER THE CLOCK TOWER
Akron, OH
Posted 02:50 PM, 11/18/2008
Indeed, work with these people, not against them. Didn't need to toss out those ugly words "ED" so quickly. We'll hold you to your word, Councilperson Merletti. The natives are restless, you know.
That said, I do invite any of you to take a drive down West Dartmore and out the little-known Parkway extension to the canal. "Blighted" only begins to describe it.
This area was once part of the old Firestone Victory Gardens generations ago.
Posted 04:26 PM, 11/18/2008
No one should be suprised that these comments came up now. The second public hearing was at the Planning Commission meeting, and when you hold meetings at 9 on Friday mornings you'd be amazed how many people who's interests are at stake cannot actually attend.
