Kent Natural Food Coop...

I’m always surprised by the number of people that tell me Kent desparately needs a local health foods grocery store, when in fact, Kent has a great homegrown local health food store — the Kent Natural Food Coop. 

Admittedly, it’s a Coop which means it leans heavy on volunteers and doesn’t have a big advertising budget to promote themselves but don’t let their size fool you.  They’ve worked hard to expand their hours and their product lines to serve Kent better.  

The Coop carries a lot of the same products you’d find at the Mustard Seed but shopping the Coop consumes about 1/10th of the carbon footprint as it does to drive all the way out to Fairlawn and back.  Isn’t that the point of a sustainable living?  

The Coop continues evolving their organization and I’m pleased to report that they now have an official Board of Directors.  Here’s their press release:   

 ”The co-op members have elected nine strong people who are dedicated to the mission of making the Kent Natural Food Co-Op the community’s source for healthy food, with a cooperative business model. I personally look forward to being part of Kent’s downtown redevelopment.”

In June, the co-op membership voted to change to a representational form of decision-making in order to assure more continuity and accountability in the store’s operations.  Monthly board meetings are open to all members.

2010 City Street Paving Program...

The City’s street paving contractor is ready to start laying some down some new asphalt for the City’s 2010 street program.    The contractor’s work will consist of a milling 2” off of the existing asphalt pavement and resurfacing it with 2” of surface course asphalt.  This is the good stuff, stone aggregate of multiple sizes and fines bound together with asphalt and oil, breathing new life into City streets that have been on their last breath for some time. 

The City Engineer’s Office staff drive and rate all of the streets in Kent in order to come up with a list of the streets that are quantitatively in the worst condition which gets them on the resurfacing list.  Like most things, there’s never enough money to do all the streets that need help but thanks to grants, the City has been able to do nearly double the amount allocated to street paving this year.  

Here’s the street list for 2010:       

Street Name                 From                                       To

Gale Drive                    West Cul-de-Sac                       East Cul-de-Sac

Garth Drive                  Silver Meadows Blvd.               East end of street

Jessie Avenue               Roosevelt Avenue                     Longmere Drive

West Oak Street            Franklin Avenue                       South Water Street

Sunrise Blvd.                North end of Bridge                  Cul-de-Sac at North end

The Engineer’s office reports that normal traffic patterns will be maintained for most of the work on this project.  These streets may be closed to through traffic when the contractor first places and rolls the asphalt surface course so that traffic does not damage the hot pavement.  The closures to through traffic would range from 2 to 4 hours per street. 

For those folks that haven’t watched street paving in great detail previously, keep in mind that this type of work is performed utilizing a “moving” construction zone — also referred to as a paving train.  Vehicles utilizing any street that is being resurfaced can expect minor traffic delays since the traffic will be reduced to one lane where the work is being performed.  Residents and businesses may have a temporary loss of access (up to ten minutes) to their drives as the construction work passes by their property.

The work should begin in the next couple of weeks. 

Kent City Schools Phone Survey...

Back in 2008 I had a chance to be a part of the community team that the Kent City School systems Superintendent brought together to help the staff and the School Board update their 5-year strategic plan.  There were many engaging discussions about the state of public education, the challenges, and what the future holds in store for Kent’s school kids.  

The 5 year plan update identified the top priorities in 7 functional categories – Climate/Culture/Safety at Kent City Schools; Communications & Community Relations;   Curriculum/Programs; Facilities; Finance; Staff Development/Personnel; and Technology.  Each of the categories had 4 to 5 goals listed, e.g., broaden curriculum efforts to prepare students for a global economy, create learning environments that foster creativity, innovation and global competency. 

The Superintendent is looking to reconvene the planning team and I understand that he’s also partnering with Kent State University to complete some phone survey work to get more feedback from City residents.  The phone survey is set to start in October so as the school press release listed below says, “please don’t hang up.”

“Please don’t hang up!

Kent City Schools has partnered with Kent State University to get your feedback on how the Kent School District is doing, including the District’s progress with their strategic plan.  During the month of October, a random sample of households will receive a phone call from KSU’s Research and Evaluation Bureau, asking you to take part in a survey about Kent City Schools.  Survey calls will take place on weekdays between 4:30 p.m.  and 8:30 p.m., beginning October 4.  The survey should take less than 10 minutes, and remember, if you don’t speak up, your voice will not be heard, so please don’t hang up!

If you do not get a call and would still like to provide Kent City Schools with feedback, your comments and questions are welcome; please contact Superintendent Joe Giancola at (330) 676-7600 or ke_jgiancola@kentschools.net ”

Haymaker Light Pole Replacement Update...

National Take Back (Unused Prescriptions) Day...

If your medicine cabinet is starting to look like it might get you on the A&E TV show about Hoarders then we’ve got a bit of good news for you.  Saturday, September 25th has been declared national take back day and locations have been set up where you can offload all your unused medicines with no questions asked (from 10 am to 2 pm).

Here’s the notice from the Department of Justice announcing the program: 

Below is a letter from President Obama’s Office and a listing of the local drop-off locations.

________________

As you know, prescription drug abuse is a significant public health issue in our country. Because they are legal, prescription drugs are easily accessible and often kept in home medicine cabinets long after they are needed, making them readily available to people who might misuse or abuse them. A recent study found that people who reported nonmedical use of prescription drugs within the past year, 70% got them the most recent time they used from a friend or relative.

One way to reduce the accessibility of prescription drugs is to properly dispose of them in a safe and environmentally friendly manner. Take-Back programs are one of the best ways to ensure this proper disposal, and from 10 am to 2 pm on September 25, 2010, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), joined by ONDCP and others, will hold prescription drug “Take-Back” events across the country. At these events, DEA and local partners will collect potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs for destruction. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

We are asking for your help to promote this very important event. DEA has created a web button (see below) that can be placed on your website, and by placing the button on your website you will ensure that your stakeholders will be able to find local sites where they can drop off their prescription drugs. By making the take-back event being held on National Take-Back Day a success, we can all make a positive impact to reduce drug use and its consequences.

Tony Martinez
Associate Director
Office of Intergovernmental and Public Liaison
Executive Office of the President

_____________

Kent Dam Restoration Makes a Splash...

The restoration of the Kent Dam celebrated its 6 anniversary this year but it’s still making headlines.  It turns out that the Kent Dam project has gone international.

The United Nations Environment Programme recently released a worldwide report titled Dead Planet, Living Planet that features Kent Ohio as one of the case studies for how to improve water quality.  Pretty cool. 

We knew the Environmental Protection Agency liked our project so much that they used Kent as a model for other communities in Ohio.  We’re proud to be a pioneer in Ohio but it sure fluffs the old feathers up to hear that our favorite hometown has been recognized internationally as a trail blazer in water quality. 

The Dam restoration was a great project in Kent for a lot of reasons, and as nice as all the external accolades are, nothing beats seeing the river being enjoyed every day in Kent by the people that live here.  That’s priceless. 

River Clean Up...

There’s a group of volunteers that will be gathering at Tannery Park on Stow Street in Kent on Saturday, September 25th, at 8:30 am to slap on their waders or hop in their kayaks as part of the annual river clean up. 

Each year the river clean up is a great example of town and gown at work as some of Kent’s most active environmental residents work side by side with Kent State University students to protect our most cherished natural resource — the Cuyahoga River.  Interested volunteers can call the City’s Public Service Department (330) 678-8105 for more information or check out the Kent State information sources noted in the article below:

Kent State Fall Construction...

Kent State has been busy this summer making the campus and the academic buildings ready for the arrival of the students, and judging from the latest construction update from the University Architect’s Office, that activity is going to continue well into the Fall.  Here’s the list of construction projects that Kent State University has underway at the Kent campus:

FALL 2010 CONSTRUCTION PROJECT UPDATE

Here are the major facility and infrastructure improvements that are currently being administered by the Office of the University Architect: 

PROJECTS BEING CLOSED-OUT: 

Business Administration Building Renovations to Room 200
Lecture hall room 200 in the Business Administration Building was renovated this summer with the installation of new seating, lighting and finishes and technology upgrades.

Centennial Greens and Manchester Field Lawn Irrigation
Lawn irrigation systems were installed in order to water Centennial Greens and Manchester Field.

Centennial Research Park Roof Replacement
The original roof over Centennial Research Park was removed and replaced this summer.

Child Development Center Reroof and Research One Shingled Roof
Existing shingles on the roofs of the Child Development Center and the Research One Building were removed and replaced with new roofing systems this summer.

Heer and Harbourt Halls Roof Replacement
The roofing systems on Heer and Harbourt halls were removed and replaced this summer.

Kent Student Center Masonry Repairs
The masonry overhang at the third floor balcony level of the Student Center was repaired this summer.

McDowell Hall Toilet and Shower Room Rehabilitation
Due to aging infrastructure, plumbing systems and fixtures in the bathrooms of McDowell Hall were rehabilitated this summer. Architectural finishes, electrical and HVAC systems were replaced.

McGilvrey Hall Labs 131B and 341 Renovations
The fume hood systems in McGilvrey Hall labs 131B and 341 were renovated to be compatible with chemicals proposed for use by a new faculty member. Renovations involved installation of new acid-resistant fume hoods and exhaust systems.

2010 Parking Maintenance and Improvements
Sections of Dix Stadium parking lot were repaved and improvements made to the ADA parking spaces. The Schwartz Center Summit Street entry was modified and the islands were repaired.

Residence Halls ADA Improvements
Specific areas of Centennial Court, Prentice Hall, and Beall Hall were renovated for compliance with current Federal ADA requirements that provide better accessibility in those areas for students and staff.

Schwartz Center Restroom Renovations, Phase 2
The centrally-located restrooms on the first and second floors of the south portion of the Schwartz Center were renovated this summer.

Verder Hall New Hydraulic Elevator
This summer, Verder Hall’s original elevator was removed and replaced with a new, roped, hydraulic elevator in a new hoistway shaft on the exterior of the building.

Williams Hall Lab 223 HVAC Improvements
The HVAC system in laboratory 223 of Williams Hall was upgraded this summer. All existing fume hoods and lab casework were demolished and replaced; six additional fume hoods were installed on the exterior wall, new lighting, new plumbing fixtures, emergency eyewash and shower, flooring, and wall finishes were installed. An ADA fume hood and accessible bench workstations were also provided.

CAMPUS-WIDE ENERGY CONSERVATION PROJECTS:

Kent Campus Residence Services Energy Conservation Project
Until December 7, the Office of the University Architect and Energy Conservation committee will be accepting proposals from Energy Service Companies to enable the twenty-six residence halls on the Kent Campus to comply with House Bill 251 energy use reduction goals. The project will utilize provisions per Ohio Legislation for payback of project cost with guaranteed energy savings over the preferred, 10-year energy savings-only total payback, but consideration will also be given for proposals with up to a maximum 15-year payback time period.

ON-GOING CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS:

Library First Floor Renovations
The circulation desk area and main entry lobby on the first floor of the Library were renovated this summer. New finishes and upgrades for worn and dated materials were implemented and new, energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems were installed. The exterior canopy and new entry system are being upgraded to define the entrance of existing facade; this canopy metal work continues through early October. HVAC and electrical system connections will continue through late in the fall semester.

MAC Center Athletic Academic Resource Center Expansion
An addition is being built in order to expand the existing MAC Center Athletic Academic Resource Center. Work continues through mid-September.

Music and Speech Center Renovations and Additions – Roe Green Center
Music and Speech Center was renovated and additions built to address space and program needs for the School of Theatre and Dance. One addition provides a new lobby and black box experimental theatre on the Theatre Drive face of the building; this also provides an enhanced entry area for students and event patrons. On the west side of the building, another addition was constructed to provide three new dance studios and support space to relocate the Dance Program out of the MACC Annex. A newly-designated Performing Arts Library was also completed this summer. Column covers in the lobby will be installed in late September. This project is nearing completion.

Risman Plaza Renovations, Phase 1
The initial phase of a multi-phased project to improve the university’s landscape and hardscape is nearing completion. The primary focus of phase 1 construction is Risman Plaza and surrounding areas. Improvements involve landscaping, paving, lighting, site furnishings, drainage and pedestrian walkways. Construction of the new transit shelter on the west side of the Kiva is completed. Granite work and installation of the fountain continue this fall; landscaping will be completed by early October.

Stewart Hall Renovations for the Relocation of Information Services
Stewart Hall is being renovated for the consolidation of Information Services groups campuswide into one facility. Demolition work associated with bid package 1 continues. Contracts were recently awarded for the second construction bid package for interior work. Construction will continue through the end of December in anticipation that the building will be ready for occupancy in early 2011.

Summit Street Sidewalk Extension
The campus sidewalk along Summit Street is being extended from the C-Science parking lot southeast to the bus stop in front of the Parking Maintenance Building to provide safe access to the campus. The sidewalk is being extended and lighting provided to Summit East parking lot. Paving and landscaping continue through October.

White Hall Parking Lot Improvements
Perimeter landscape and lighting improvements were completed in the White Hall R-16 parking lot. The parking lot opened at the start of fall semester. Brickwork near Moulton Hall is nearing completion and landscaping should be finished by late September.

WKSU Broadcast Center Generator Replacement
The existing generator at the WKSU-FM Broadcast Center is being removed and replaced with a new generator for standby electric power.

 
CONTRACT AWARDS PENDING:

Lowry Hall Renovations for the College of Public Health
The third floor west wing of Lowry Hall will be renovated and converted into faculty offices for the College of Public Health which will relocate to the building. New finishes will be installed and office space will be designed to accommodate the new program of requirements for staff. Contract awards are pending for construction bids that were opened on August 26.

PROJECTS UNDER DESIGN:

Business Administration Building Renovations to Room 100
Lecture hall room 100 in the Business Administration Building will be renovated during the summer of 2011 with the installation of new seating, lighting and finishes and technology upgrades. This project should be advertised for bidding in the spring of 2011.

Centennial Research Park Crystal Diagnostics Build-Out
The interior tenant space located within Centennial Research Park will be built-out for Crystal Diagnostics. In consultation with the tenant, work includes installation of new wall partitions, ceilings, lighting, finishes and restrooms. Currently this project is under design.

Facility Planning and Scheduling Services
Kent State University is poised to undertake an extensive program of improvement to its campus facilities. A previously-commissioned study identified approximately $350M in deferred renewal needs for existing buildings. Additionally, new facilities may be required to meet the programmatic requirements in some academic areas. Kent State University Board of Trustees authorized the administration to pursue approximately $200M in bond funding to finance this initiative. The goal is to work with the administration and facilities offices to provide an implementation plan for this enterprise-encompassing campus planning, facility assessment, programming, estimating and scheduling/ sequencing of the work. Specific building and renovation projects will be identified in this project and subsequent, separate Requests for Qualifications for those actual construction projects will be issued. A firm is assisting with planning the overall project, meeting with Facilities Planning and Operations and the Office of the University Architect to review some projects being considered as part of this initiative. The firm is providing recommendations regarding the overall program and costs for these projects.

Harbourt and Heer Halls Renovations for Administrative Functions
Harbourt and Heer Halls, former residence halls built in 1967, will be renovated to provide office space for multiple administrative functions on campus. Work includes the conversion of the residence rooms and bathroom facilities, improvements to the public areas (lounges, classrooms, lobby, corridors), and the upgrade/replacement of the entire heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems, electrical distribution, telecommunications systems, fire alarm and fire suppression systems. The currently proposed program includes office spaces for the Office of the University Architect, Facilities Planning and Operations, Department of Human Resources, and several, smaller financial and administrative units. This project is currently under design.

Kent Multimodal Transportation Center
Kent State University, the City of Kent and the Portage Area Transportation Authority (PARTA) received a $20M grant for the construction of the Kent Gateway multimodal transportation center. The center under design incorporates parking, mass transportation, pedestrians and bicycles into one central facility designed to promote and increase transit, pedestrian and bicycle access to the university and downtown Kent. Solicitation and selection of a construction manager will be conducted in late summer with construction slated to begin in late fall or early winter 2010. Design and construction of the Kent Gateway will be closely coordinated with the design and construction of the esplanade extension, the hotel and conference center and the other downtown development initiatives.

Kent Student Center Dining Services Kitchen Hood Replacement
In the Student Center basement kitchen, the existing kitchen hood will be removed and replaced with a new, larger hood to accommodate new equipment needs. This project will include installation of the new hood, exhaust fan, welded ductwork with fire-rated insulation cover, new fire suppression system for the new hood and replacement of the ceiling. Currently this project is under design; it should be advertised for bidding this fall for construction to take place during Winter Break.

Loop Road Recreation Field Improvements
Improvements to the Loop Road Recreation Fields include installing subdrainage for the soccer fields, installation of sports lighting and irrigation, improvements to the basketball courts and amenities. Currently under design, this project should be advertised for bidding in the winter for construction to take place during the spring of 2011.

MAC Center Building Envelope Restoration
The Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center’s (MACC) roofing has failed and costs are escalating to maintain it to prevent further damage to building interiors and subsequent deterioration of exterior walls. A professional consulting firm has assessed the roof and entire building envelope to provide estimates and options for restoration of masonry, parapets, glazing, and entries, and planned construction of selected repairs. This project is at the schematic design phase.

McGilvrey Hall Building Envelope Restoration
In McGilvrey Hall, numerous systems have failed, including exposed structural concrete roofing, windows and sealants. Costs are escalating to maintain the building to prevent failure of exterior structure and damage to building interiors. A professional consulting firm has assessed the roof and entire building envelope to provide estimates and options for restoration of masonry, parapets, glazing, and entries, and planned construction of selected repairs. This project is at the schematic design phase.

Music and Speech Center Parking Lot Renovation
The existing Music and Speech Center parking lot, including curbs, walks and asphalt surfaces, will be renovated, lighting replaced and pedestrian circulation through the lot improved. This project should be advertised for bidding in the fall.

New Facilities for the College of Technology – Programming / Site Selection
Constructed in 1951 and in need of complete rehabilitation, Van Deusen Hall houses the College of Technology and portions of the School of Art. An architectural firm assessed the current configuration and needs of the building and investigated the rehabilitation or the construction of a new facility for the College of Technology. The project design should achieve LEED Silver Certification and comply with House Bill 251 reduced energy consumption requirements. The final study was presented to the administration.

New Facilities for the Schools of Art and Visual Communication Design Programming / Site Selection
Constructed in 1972 and at the end of its useful life, the Art Building houses the School of Art and the School of Visual Communication Design. An architectural design firm assessed the current configuration and needs of the building and investigated a complete rehabilitation of other campus buildings and/or the construction of a new facility for these two programs. The project design should achieve LEED Silver Certification and comply with House Bill 251 reduced energy consumption requirements. The final study was presented to the administration.

Taylor Hall Building Envelope Restoration
In Taylor Hall, numerous systems have failed including exposed structural concrete roofing, windows, and sealants. Costs are escalating to maintain the building to prevent failure of exterior structure and damage to building interiors. A professional consulting firm has assessed the roof and entire building envelope to provide estimates and options for restoration of masonry, parapets, glazing, and entries, and planned construction of selected repairs. This project is at the schematic design phase.

The Student Green
The Student Green project is being designed in effort to improve vehicular and pedestrian circulation on campus, provide an improved entrance to campus, and provide additional space for outdoor student activities and events. This project extends the design of the Risman Plaza renovations project to the lawn area south to create a contiguous, outdoor space. The eastern portion of Risman Drive will be closed and traffic will be redirected to the western end. Landscape improvements include new sidewalks, trees, planting beds, campus gateway signage along Summit Street, and installation of an architectural tower icon.

Williams Hall, Smith Hall, and Science Research Lab Building Envelope Restoration
The roofs on Williams Hall, Smith Hall and the Science Research Building are beyond their useful lives and failures are allowing water to penetrate the buildings’ systems, subsequently causing the exterior walls to deteriorate. A professional consulting firm has made assessments, recommendations, and cost estimates for the building envelopes for Williams Hall, Smith Hall, and the Science Research Building. Work will include roofing, concrete and masonry repairs to facades and entry areas, fenestration and caulking. This project is at the schematic design phase.

Portage County Rabies Vaccine Clinic...

Earlier this week the Kent Police Department held it’s monthly Neighborhood Watch meeting — and this month’s topic was animal control.  You’d be surprised how many calls we get related to nuissance animals, ground hogs, foxes, bats, feral cats, stray dogs, and yes, even road kill. 

The City has one employee in the Police Department that serves as Kent’s animal control officer (he also doubles as our parking enforcement officer but that’s a story for another day).  We’re also tied in to Portage County animal control programs and it turns out that the Portage County Dog Warden has announced a reduced cost rabies clinic for Saturday, September 25th from 9 to 11 am, at 8120 Infirmary Road in Ravenna. 

The Aurora and Mantua Veterinary Clinics have partnered with the Portage County Dog Warden to sponsor this clinic.  For just $10 (cash or check only) you can have your dog, cat or ferret (pets must be at least 4 months old) vaccinated.  No appointments are necessary.

It’s a great price to keep your pet, and your family, safe from this deadly viral infection.   

Building Demo Project Starting...

The downtown redevelopment block (bordered by Erie, Water, Haymaker and Depeyster) is taking another step forward closer to being redeveloped — the demolition fencing has been installed and the contractor will plan to begin knocking down the old buildings to make way for the new stuff scheduled for construction next year.  The initial focus will be clearing the buildings at the corner of Water and and Haymaker Parkway as that’s the location where Davey Tree would like to relocate some of their research functions into new office space late next year.  All the other buildings will then follow suit over the next 3-4 months until the site has been prepped and rough graded for the developer to come in and start construction.  The contractor will also work on the other side of Depeyster to remove the old record courier building in order to clear space for the Kent State Hotel and Conference Center.