| Mayor Don Plusquellic has unveiled plans for
the redevelopment of another Akron neighborhood. The Seiberling Elementary School
neighborhood will be part of the Neighborhood Improvement Program. This includes homes in
the area bounded by Tonawanda (north), Brittain Road (east), Laffer Avenue (south), and
Eastland Avenue (west). There area 509 structures, mostly single-family homes, in this
neighborhood with an owner-occupancy rate of nearly 70% (2000 Census). The project, funded
by the federal Community Development and HOME Programs, offers grants and loans to
property owners to repair housing code violations. It also assists in street and sidewalk
improvements. In making this announcement, Mayor
Plusquellic said, "Since 1975, this programs has helped with the successful
redevelopment of 28 neighborhoods across our city. Today we embark on the 29th such
neighborhood project to bring a renewal of appearance, value and pride to this Goodyear
Heights community.
Other nearby Neighborhood Improvement Project areas
includes the Goodyear area south of Newton Street, and the Barber area north of Eastland
Avenue. The City of Akron anticipates the same community interest in the Seiberling
community that has been in other neighborhoods. Planning Director Warren Woolford
commented today, "Residents here can expect sidewalk and curb improvements, new
street trees and street restoration to continue. We know they are eager for work to
commence." Thus far improvements have been made to 17,500 homes throughout the city
via the Neighborhood Improvement Program.
The City expects to invest $4.4 million in housing
rehabilitation and public improvements in the Seiberling area through the project's
completion in 2005. To learn more, residents are invited to a public meeting Tuesday,
February 5, 2002, at 7:00 p.m. at Seiberling Elementary School, 400 Brittain Road. All
neighbors have been notified of the meeting by mail.
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