By Matt Fredmonsky
Record-Courier staff writer
Redevelopment plans in the works for downtown Kent will be the focus of two upcoming public meetings to give residents and business owners a chance to discuss several projects.
Three key components will be at the center of the discussions.
The first project involves plans by the Portage Area Regional Transportation Authority to build a multi-modal transit facility. The estimated $12 million complex would include a bus transit center, vehicle parking and retail establishments. The multi-modal facility is currently in the design phase and a final location has not been set, but the project would be located in the area of Haymaker Parkway, East Main, South DePeyster and Erie streets.
Bryan Smith, planning director for PARTA, said the agency is working closely with city and university leaders to come up with a design that works best for all parties.
“There is definitely retail being planned in the design to be part of the project, absolutely,” Smith said.
The second proposal, arguably already underway, involves Kent State University’s plans to extend The Esplanade — the on-campus leg of The Portage Hike and Bike Trail — from the northwest corner of campus along Erie Street to Haymaker Parkway. The university recently bought two properties in the area.
The third major project to be discussed is a proposed hotel and conference facility, which city and university leaders are hopeful to locate in the area bordered by Haymaker Parkway, Erie and South DePeyster streets. Little detailed information about the hotel, including a study about its potential for occupancy, has been released.
All three proposals involve Haymaker Parkway, a busy state thoroughfare, and would lead to infrastructure changes in the area.
Kent City Engineer Jim Bowling said the city would handle most right of way and utility construction, including working with ODOT for curb cuts into S.R. 59, a signalized intersection at Haymaker Parkway and Erie Street and developing a median with pedestrian crossings.
Bowling said Erie Street would receive a complete makeover with wider sidewalks and bike lanes as part of the redevelopment.
“Our goal is to make it a complete street that serves vehicles, pedestrians and bicycles equally,” he said. “That’s the kind of stuff we’ll be talking to the public about.”
The public meetings are set for Thursday at 7 p.m. in the Kent Free Library and July 14 at 7 p.m. in Kent City Council chambers.
Kent Economic Development Director Dan Smith said the public meetings provide a good opportunity for residents to come in and learn about the projects, interact with planners and provide feedback.
“The important thing to remember about all this too is it’s still fluid,” Smith said. “Things could move around in the development block as we try to coordinate a hotel conference center, office space (and) retail as well as continue to investigate a location for the courts. We feel we have a plan that accommodates everybody in a win-win fashion.”
Previous Articles:
KSU to purchase two properties for $267,000 University looks to expand physical link with Kent
June 9, 2009
http://www.recordpub.com/news/article/4604015
Kent renews bid for state stimulus funds City, KSU officials pitch development projects
April 21, 2009
http://www.recordpub.com/news/article/4570642
Kent redevelopment talks continue No formal agreement yet for downtown hotel, conference center
March 22, 2009
http://www.recordpub.com/news/article/4551366
Sorting out a ‘crazy quilt’ of projects Speaker details downtown plans at Bowman Breakfast
March 20, 2009
http://www.recordpub.com/news/article/4550289
Progress, trouble for project Kent bridge, transit plans are nearly finalized
March 17, 2009
http://www.recordpub.com/news/article/4547649
Hotel study results to be released Cleveland-based firm partnering with KSU, Kent on downtown project
Nov. 16, 2008
http://www.recordpub.com/news/article/4467704
Third time a charm for Kent hotel? Officials optimistic downtown development will go forward
Aug. 3, 2008
http://www.recordpub.com/news/article/4182212
Kent still in talks about development Planning for downtown project could take months
July 31, 2008
http://www.recordpub.com/news/article/4166591