April 08, 2003 Meeting

Meeting Notes
Hickory Corridor
Tuesday, April 8, 2003

1. Jerry Egan (City of Akron Comprehensive Planning Administrator) presided at the meeting that began at 7:00 p.m. at St. Vincent St. Mary High School.
2. Jerry Egan briefly reviewed topics covered in previous meetings, but this meeting would specifically focus on the area from North Street north to Silver Street. Jerry opened the floor to comments. Bridget Garvin of the Cascade Locks Park Association stressed the importance of the North Street / Howard Street intersection and suggested open space across the street from ABTEC, acknowledging that some mixed use is appropriate in this area. Specifically, at least a stretch of open space is requested at the corner, increasing in size as you approach the Canal (including the utility tower). A resident discussed reconfiguring the Walnut Street / North Street intersection and the 90 degree curve at Hickory Street or at least widening the road to allow more space at the turn. Would this affect the speed of traffic? Traffic calming was mentioned, leading into a brief and general discussion on street widths and intersections. A suggestion was made to make Hickory Street one-way between North Street and Silver Street (going north), but Silver Street already receives a lot of cut through traffic to West Market Street and this would make it worse.
   
   A suggestion was made to convert ABTEC into a museum in the future, or possibly convert it for another use (note: ABTEC is listed as a contributing structure in the Cascade Locks Historic District). It was reiterated that the North Street / Howard Street intersection is key. The elimination of the left turn arrow from Howard onto North Street going west has created traffic problems during peak periods. Billboard control on North Street is necessary. In response to a question concerning the Cascade Mill race south of North Street and east of the Canal, Bridget Garvin noted that a hydrology study is underway.
   
   In response to a question concerning parking at the Mustill Store trailhead, it was noted that existing parking is insufficient (22 spaces). Additional parking will be constructed on a City-owned lot located along the south side of North Street, west of the Canal, utilizing a Clean Ohio grant.
   A development setback was discussed in regards to development along the Canal and Towpath Trail. Ralph Thompson of the Akron Planning Department Design Division suggested that these delineations should be based on topography, existing use, etc., rather than a set standard. The varying conditions within the area make a set standard impractical.
   
   The vacant lots on the south / west side of Hickory Street between North Street and Silver Street were mentioned as possible sites for new housing and there seemed to be tacit approval for this.
   
   In terms of historic resources, a suggestion was made to highlight some of the interesting ruins, foundations, etc. in the area. Kurt Mulhauser of the Akron Planning Department suggested clearing away most of the undergrowth obscuring the old street patterns, house foundations, etc. from the Mustill Store up to Walnut Street and over to Maple Street.
3. Jerry Egan then steered the discussion to the topic of appropriate housetypes for the area between North Street and Silver Street. What type of housing is desired? Jerry Egan suggested that the proximity to downtown allows for the consideration of higher levels of density. A suggestion was made to develop around pockets of green space. The following development guidelines received a general consensus:
   1. Keep garages out of sight
   2. Promote front porches
   3. No support for contemporary sub-division development
   4. Neo-contemporary is appropriate (open space in common areas)
   5. Custom homes might be suitable depending on location
   6. Neotraditional townhomes would be suitable on Howard Street
   7. Timbertop / Weathervane Lane type apartment development is not suitable
   8. Some mix of attached condominium units might be appropriate
   9. Traditional retail development is suitable along North Street
      Scale is important. Mixed feelings on contemporary apartments. A request was made for a tree ordinance and underground wiring.
4. The meeting concluded at 8:40 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 13, 2003 at St. Vincent St. Mary High School.