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FURNACE-HOWARD URBAN RENEWAL AREA PLAN
December, 2001
City of Akron, Ohio

1. Location of the Furnace-Howard Urban Renewal Area
2. Statement of Development Objectives
3. Types of Proposed Renewal Actions
4. Land Use Plan
5. Project Proposals
6. Other Provisions
7. Other Development Provisions
8. Legislation to be Utilized to Fulfill Plan Objectives

1. Location of the Furnace-Howard Urban Renewal Area
   The Furnace-Howard Renewal Area is located in the City of Akron, County of Summit, State of Ohio. The Renewal Area consists of approximately 5.4 acres situated on the central north side of the City of Akron and generally bounded by Howard Street, Ridge Street, Main Street, and the Wheeling & Lake Erie Railroad right of way.

2. Statement of Development Objectives to be Achieved by the Project
   The goals of the City of Akron in undertaking the project are: 1) to eliminate blight and to prevent recurrence of blight; 2) to enable the expansion and development of new market-rate and affordable rental housing to serve residents of Akron. Specific objectives are proposed to guide and direct urban renewal activities and redevelopment.
   
   To carry out the project's goals, the following specific objectives are proposed:
   1. Land Use Objective
      Enhance the viability of the Furnace-Howard Urban Renewal Area by encouraging land uses which are compatible with a residential area, and includes retail and some attendance business use:
      1. Remove blighted and incompatible properties within the project area which are deteriorated, or a threat to the public health, safety and general welfare;
      2. Provide a suitable redevelopment site for the construction of townhouse apartments and attendance retail use;
      3. Prohibit incompatible uses from locating in the project area;
      4. Vacate Bank Alley from Furnace Street to railroad to facilitate the cohesive redevelopment of the block between Howard and North Main Street.
   2. Environmental Objective
      Develop an attractive and visually improved environment, which is consistent with the Furnace-Howard Redevelopment Plan:
      1. Remove properties which are poorly maintained, deteriorated and attract nuisance activity that detract from residential and retail use within the renewal area, and are detrimental to the health, safety and welfare of the general public and persons who pass through the area.
      2. Implement redevelopment which will prevent blighted conditions from recurring which are harmful to persons within, adjacent to, and who pass through the renewal area.
      3. Develop attractive, well-landscaped and lighted facilities which improve the appearance of the Furnace-Howard vicinity. Such an improvement of this key block will visually improve the Furnace-Howard area north of the Central Business District.
      4. Clean up and improve the right-of-way along Howard, Furnace, Main and Ridge Streets.
   3. Public Improvements Objective
      Continue the City's program of upgrading public improvements within the City including the catch basins, sidewalks, curbs, gutter and street surface.
   4. Circulation Objective
      Improve the safety and efficiency of people, goods and services via all circulation modes including walking, automobiles and trucks:
      1. Continue the upgrading of the Howard, Main, Furnace and Ridge Streets sidewalk, curb, gutter and street surface.
      2. Ensure pedestrian passage from the Cuyahoga Valley Rail Station on Ridge Street to and from the North Main Street business and entertainment area.
      3. Vacate Bank Alley between Furnace Street and the railroad to facilitate the cohesive redevelopment of the block between Howard and North Main Street.
   5. Economic Objective
      Facilitate the development of a new housing and related uses to serve the citizens of Akron:
      1. Remove blighting conditions and thereby encourage investor confidence in the Furnace-Howard Street and northside area.
      2. Facilitate the redevelopment of townhouse apartments and attendant retail facilities, or other business uses compatible with the area and close to the central business district, and provision of necessary supporting public infrastructure.

      3. Provide for redevelopment which will provide safe and affordable housing for Akron area residents including residents of the Akron Enterprise Community.

3. Types of Proposed Renewal Actions
   Proposed renewal actions to be carried out by the City following adoption of the renewal plan may include acquisition and clearance of property, the sale or lease of land for redevelopment, construction of supporting infrastructure and additional actions to support new residential, retail or related activity. Redevelopment sites controlled by the City are to be acquired by agreements with the City setting forth permitted uses, use restrictions and development requirements.

4. Land Use Plan
   1. Permitted Land Uses
      In order to achieve the objectives of this Urban Renewal Plan, the proposed land use within the Furnace-Howard Urban Renewal Area is classified under Apartment House Use District. Permitted land uses shall include all uses permitted under Chapter 153.102 (U2) of the Akron Zoning Code. Land Use Plan Map 5 depicts permitted land use of Apartment and Retail Use.
   2. Zoning
      1. Existing Zoning Map
         The existing zoning for the Furnace-Howard Urban Renewal Area is Limited Business (UPD10) and Commercial (U4). Zoning Map 4 indicates existing zoning.
      2. Proposed Zoning
         It is proposed that the area be zoned Retail. Map 6 indicates proposed zoning (U3).
   3. Additional Development Standards and Regulations
      In addition to complying with the development standards and regulations set forth in the Akron Zoning Code, development in the Furnace-Howard Urban Renewal Area shall comply with the following:
      1. Parking Facilities
         The design, layout and access to off-street parking shall be reviewed and approved by the City. All parking and service areas shall be paved. No on-street parking shall be included in parking allowance for housing development.
      2. Outdoor Advertising Displays
         No outdoor advertising display of any nature shall be placed, erected or located in the Furnace-Howard Urban Renewal Area.
      3. On-Premise Exterior Signs
         The following guidelines apply to all exterior signage in the Furnace-Howard Urban Renewal Area.
         1. Signage shall be a permanent part of the overall building or landscape design; pole signs are prohibited.
         2. All signage materials shall be compatible with building materials and colors.
         3. Mechanically moving signage or flashing lights shall be prohibited.
         4. A sign may not project above the roof of a structure to which it is affixed.
         5. Any new signs or replacement of existing signs shall be reviewed by the Urban Design and Historic & Preservation Commission and receive the approval of the Akron City Planning Commission.
      4. Utilities
         All private and public utilities will be placed underground.
      5. Building Design
         Construction of any new buildings within the Furnace- Howard Urban Renewal Area shall be reviewed by the Urban Design and Historic & Preservation Commission and receive the approval of the Akron City Planning Commission.
         
         Open space shall include extensive use of plant material, fencing or privacy walls as necessary to accomplish a degree of privacy among units and to identify private and semi-private areas from public spaces in the development. Trees, both evergreen and deciduous shall be substantial size at the time of planting. Plantings and other site amenities shall be of quality construction and materials. This includes using stone, brick or masonry for patio, walk and retaining wall construction.
      6. Building Materials
         For commercial structures all building materials shall include substantial split face block or brick materials, including masonry at the ground level.
         
         Quality materials shall be used in the construction of details such as railings, pilasters and columns and windows. The use of balconies, bay windows and dormers is encouraged. All ancillary construction not specifically mentioned in the above sections shall be architecturally compatible.
         
         All materials shall be subject to approval by the City.
      7. Positioning of Primary Buildings
         Building service areas should not be visible from public streets.
      8. On Site Trash Storage
         The developers shall submit a workable trash disposal and collection plan to receive the approval of the Akron City Planning Commission. On site trash materials shall be stored in a structure(s) that match the materials of the primary buildings.
      9. Access
         Vehicular ingress and egress to buildings and parking areas shall be approved by the City Engineer. Multiple buildings should be served by a common access point. Fencing and columns shall be stepped back at driveway exits to permit vehicular visibility.
         
         A pedestrian connector shall be provided through the development to provide access from Ridge Street train depot to Main Street. Walks should be minimum of 6 feet wide.
      10. Exterior Lighting
          All public exterior area shall be well lighted in a manner suitable for the intended use. Lighting should be adequate for the intended use, but should be sited and of such a nature as to not be intrusive into surrounding areas.

      11. Storm Water Management
          The developer shall submit a storm water management plan to control the run-off, siltation and sedimentation during construction and to control the run-off after the development is completed. The plan is to be consistent with all the requirements of Section 193.101-.114 of the Code of Ordinances and is to be subject to the approval of the Bureau of Engineering and submitted prior to the issuance of any building permits.

5. Project Proposals
   1. Land Acquisition
      1. Identification of real property proposed to be acquired for:
         Map 7 and Table 1 indicate parcels identified for acquisition.
      2. Conditions under which Properties Not Identified to be Acquired may be Acquired.
         There are no properties in the area, which are not already owned by the City, which are not identified for acquisition except tax parcel 6752552. This is presently owned by the Wheeling and Lake Erie Railways. The City will require an easement over these parcels for the proposed redevelopment. In the event it is not possible to secure such an easement the City may move to acquire the property under the provisions of this Plan.
   2. Rehabilitation and Conservation
      There are no structures designated for rehabilitation.
   3. Redeveloper's Obligations
      Redevelopment within the Furnace-Howard Urban Renewal Area on land to be acquired by the City, shall be restricted by a Lease Agreement or Redevelopment Agreement executed by the City and the Redeveloper. The Lease Agreement or Development Agreement and project reviews and approval shall apply to all of the Redeveloper's contiguous property within the urban renewal area. The Lease Agreement or Development Agreement shall include the following provisions:
      1. The Redeveloper shall submit site plans and building plans to the City of Akron, Department of Planning and Urban Development. The Urban Design and Historic Preservation Commission shall review and Planning Commission shall approve these plans prior to commencement of construction to determine compliance of such plans with the Renewal Plan. It is expressly understood that approval of any plans by the City of Akron applies to any and all features shown thereon; and that any subsequent additions, deletions, or other modifications thereof are required to be submitted by the developer before construction of such modifications can begin.
      2. The Redeveloper shall commence rehabilitation or new construction on land acquired by the City and conveyed to the Redeveloper within 12 months after conveyance.
      3. The Redeveloper shall agree that no covenant, agreement, lease conveyance or other instrument relating to the property shall be effected or executed on the basis or race, creed, color, sex or national origin in the sale, lease, use or occupancy thereof.

      4. The Redeveloper shall maintain the structure and facilities in accordance with all codes and ordinances of the City of Akron.

6. Other Provisions
   1. Relationship to Local Objectives
      The Urban Renewal Plan proposals are based on planning objectives for the City of Akron as expressed in the General Plan and Workable Program. The Renewal Plan provides for the redevelopment of the project area in a manner which will promote the public health, safety, morals and welfare.
      
      The acquisition and elimination of blighted conditions and the prevention of the recurrence of blight will benefit the general public and the business and property owners adjacent to the Furnace-Howard Urban Renewal Area.
      
      The land use proposals of the plan will provide for development of residential, retail, attendant facilities and parking.

   2. Relocation Plan
      Should action by the City result in displacement of any residents, the relocation of displaced individuals, or families will be carried out in conformance with the City of Akron Relocation Plan and Activity Program.

7. Other Development Provision
   1. Duration of the Renewal Plan Restrictions
      The Renewal Plan and/or modification thereof shall be in force and effect for a period of 40 years from the date of approval of this Renewal Plan by the City of Akron. The termination of this Renewal Plan shall in no way permit the project land or any part thereof to be restricted on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, or national origin in the sale, use, or occupancy thereof; nor shall it permit the practice of discrimination based on race, creed, color, sex, or national origin.

   2. Provisions for Amending Approved Plan
      This Renewal Plan may be amended from time to time upon approval by the City Planning Commission and City Council.

8. Legislation to be Utilized to Fulfill Plan Objectives
   1. Ohio Revised Code: Urban Redevelopment Tax Increment Equivalent (Section 5709.41 to 5709.43; Chapter 725)
      
      Tax increment financing, as permitted by the provisions of the above statues, will assist the City in paying for improvements which will be undertaken within the Furnace-Howard Renewal Area and other public improvements necessary to accomplish the goals of the City's General Plan. Sections 5709.41 to 5709.43 permit the City to declare that improvements made on real property owned by the City and sold or leased to a developer to be a "public purpose" and exempt from real property taxation for up to 30 years. The City can thereafter require the owner of any structure constructed on the parcel to make annual service payments in-lieu of taxes to the City. Chapter 725 permits the City to exempt from real property taxation the portion of the assessed valuation of improvements constructed pursuant to a development agreement. The City can thereafter require the owner of the improvements constructed on the parcel to make annual service payments in-lieu-of taxes to the City