Alley 4 Rebuilding Getting Started...

Parents always said that nothing good ever comes from an alley — which is probably why so many people are drawn to them.  Having never outgrown our adolescent rebelliousness, Kent is out to prove parents wrong by putting Alley 4 in downtown Kent on the map as a place worthy of walking to. 

Admittedly, alleys were born as a way to get trash, utilities, and even dirty laundry out of sight for businesses and residences on Main Street USA but life as an alley has changed in the last decade as more and more businesses have gone away from only worrying about their front door — to seeing the opportunities available through their back door. 

Consumers are a fickle bunch and I’d guess that after years of being barraged by pre-packaged front door merchandising and swarming sales staff, the prospect of sneaking in the back door, psychologically at least, offers a sense of relief and maybe resonates with our non-conformist side that favors being surprised by the unexpected waiting in dark alleys guarding the back doors.    

Setting the sociological drama aside, alleys are indeed hot spots right now for shoppers and diners, and the business community is pushing cities to help them tap into that moving market preference. 

We’re happy to oblige, but like most make-overs, it takes some work to get there.  The challenge is that people are interested in back-door access and while they like the artsy, shadowy surreal sensibility that remade alleys can offer, they still don’t want to see trash cans, utility wires, electric boxes and all the other grunge that was typical of the old alleys. 

To give them what they want requires getting creative with utility relocations and adaptive reuse of fairly limited space.  It’s hard but not impossible which is what the City is hoping to demonstrate as we start rediscovering Alley 4 (behind the south side of the Main Street block in downtown Kent) beginning on May 31st. 

Visitors come to Kent because Kent keeps it real — but even reality has it’s limits, and while the homogenization of front door curb appeal has diminished its impact, back door authenticity still has to feel safe enough for the less adventurous to be willing to meander down.   

 I’ve been in cities where alleys were preferred by the alterntive crowd, and even mainstreamers who may not live life on the periphery but they at least want a taste of it from time to time, and alley dive bars and restaurants are just what the existentialist ordered. 

I’m told that Cleveland has a great example of that in the East 4th neighborhood.  Funky neon signs and string lights overhang alleys in a way that suggests the presence of some forbidden underground subculture.  Very cool. 

Kent’s not as polished as East 4th but it’s got a similarly cool vibe and we hope that our Alley 4 project will show that off.  Here’s an update from the City Engineer’s Office for the status of the Alley 4 project:

PRESS RELEASE 

City of Kent
Alley No. 4 Reconstruction
(Behind Acorn Alley)

BEGINNING on May 31, 2011

The City of Kent will begin a project to reconstruct Alley No. 4 from S. Water Street to S. Depeyster Street. The work includes construction of an underground utility duct bank for the relocation of overhead electric, telephone and cable lines. The duct bank will be constructed on the north side of Erie St. between S. Water Street and S. Depeyster Street, on the west side of Depeyster Street from Alley No. 5 to Alley No. 3 and within the entire length of Alley No. 4. New utility services will also be constructed. A portion of the existing storm sewer under Alley No. 4 will be replaced, new light poles will be installed in Alley No. 4 and the existing asphalt pavement in Alley No. 4 will be removed and replaced with concrete. 

Temporary lane closures on Erie Street and Depeyster Street are expected to occur during utility work and vehicular access on Alley No. 4 will be limited to local traffic only. The project is scheduled for completion by October 27, 2011.

Questions regarding the project may be directed to Jon Giaquinto, Senior Engineer, by phone at (330) 678-8106, or to the following e-mail address: giaquintoj@kent-ohio.org.

A link to the project can be found on the City of Kent website at http://kentohio.org/private/Alley4.asp.

City of Kent, Ohio
James Bowling,
City Engineer

Kent State’s Bike Share On A Roll...

For much of this Spring, the City Engineer’s Office has been busy working with Kent State University’s Office of the Architect to translate the vision of the esplanade extension into the actual details of this future connection in construction terms so that construction can begin at the end of the year and roll through to completion in 2012.   

We were able to get to this point because the City partnered with KSU to obtain trail construction funding through AMATS last year, and with grant funds in hand, the design engineers have been hired and urban planners have been given the green light to roll up their sleeves with civil engineers to prepare the blueprints for the kinds of elements that we all think have to be included in the esplanade project to make it a one-of-a-kind public space that is more than a way to get from point A on campus, to point B in downtown Kent — it is arguably a destination in and of itself. 

As those plans take greater shape, I will share them but in the meantime I was encouraged to hear that coming off a great kick off year with the KSU Bike Share project, aka FlashFleet Program, Provost Bob Frank, and a small cadre of KSU helpers, are looking for ways to extend the bike share service off of campus and perhaps follow the esplanade’s yellow brick road into downtown Kent. 

The only thing better than more students in downtown Kent, is more students in downtown Kent without their cars, which is why I was excited to hear of KSU’s interest in offering more opportunities for two-wheeled student visitors to join their two footed counterparts in using the esplanade. 

While they work out those details, here’s a summary that the Provost’s Office shared describing the success of the FlashFleet program in 2010:

Downtown Parking...

Parking in downtown Kent has been a topic of conversation at a number of unrelated meetings I’ve had lately so it’s been on my mind, and when I saw a draft of an article prepared by Kent’s Public Safety Director about downtown parking I thought now was a good time to share it.  

Generally speaking, parking troubles is often a symptom of higher levels of activity in downtown, so in that regards it is conceptually a good problem to have, but it’s still a problem so the City has continued to invest time and money to find solutions in both the short and long term.  

Long term (Fall 2012) we’re going to be in really good shape with some 600 additional parking spaces in downtown Kent; it’s the short term that we’ve got to get creative with. 

The current parking situation seems to be a culmination of downtown businesses doing well, bringing more customers into the central business district, and construction activity which has temporarily limited some traditional parking spots.  More people and less spots means its time to come up with some alternatives — which is exactly what the City’s Traffic Safety and Engineering Committee has been working on. 

The staff, in conjunction with the Parking Action Committee (citizens), have made some recent changes to traditional downtown parking restrictions in order to go with the flow and adjust on the fly to the parking demand and supply issues.  The good news is that there’s still plenty of downtown parking supply, but it may require a few more steps to the front door once you park — hopefully a small price to pay in the name of progress and redevelopment. 

The City’s Public Safety Director thought it was important to address this issue in the next edition of the Tree City Bulletin so he scripted a brief article which follows. 

___________

The City of Kent Traffic/Safety, Service, and Engineering Divisions have been putting forth a great deal of effort to help serve  the community during  significant changes in traffic and parking that the downtown development efforts are continuing this summer and beyond.  In a previous edition of the Tree City Bulletin, we described the variety of current and pending projects that will be occuring this year, which will change the face of downtown.  Although these projects may create some minor inconveniences, the net effect will be dramatic. 

An update on the major project list includes the following:

• Acorn Alley Phase 2, is currently under construction, and construction of the plaza phase is anticipated to start soon.
• Alley 4 reconstruction will soon begin with installation of underground utilities on Depeyster St. from Main St. to the alley adjacent to the Acorn Alley 2 development.
• The PARTA Multimodal transportation facility construction will begin by mid June.
• The Kent Development block by Fairmont Development will build totally new, mixed use buildings on the Haymaker, Water, Erie block.  Construction of the foundations/footers should begin on the primary buildings between July 1 and July 31.
• The new Hotel/Conference Center building on Depeyster St and along Haymaker Parkway is scheduledconstruction to begin in mid to late summer.
• And finally the reconstruction of E. Erie and S Depeyster Streets is tentatively scheduled for the first nine months of 2012. 

Everyone in the community is excited about these improvements to the downtown area, knowing that they will make it an even more energetic and lively place to live, work and play.  A significant planning effort by City staff and interested partners has been going on in order to provide a responsive and effective parking program for this major area by the completion of the major projects.

In the meantime, we need the help of our residents, businesses and friends.  While the construction reaches its peak, there will be some limitations to the available parking spaces.  This is not to suggest that there won’t be parking downtown, but it may be a little more difficult to find for a little while.  The staff continues to make changes and modifications to the current parking program on a very timely basis so that you can continue to come downtown to visit all of our local businesses.  

But please remember that you don’t always have to drive.  We encourage carpooling, biking, walking or other alternate travel means.  And for special events that take place throughout summer, we are looking at mass transit plans to help out due to the shortage of parking spaces.  Also, please look for special parking information in the announcements for special events that are scheduled for downtown.

It is most important to please remember that our downtown businesses rely on the availability of parking to enable their customers to shop and do business downtown.  If you work downtown, it is important to remember that if you park close, you may be blocking a potential customer from doing business at your place of employment. If you will be in the downtown for a longer period of time, please look around for parking that is slightly removed from the primary business district.  The length of a longer parking stay downtown may inhibit three other citizens from completing transactions with businesses in town within the same time period.  Some examples of areas where longer parking as three hour zones may be available include:    

                                                  S. Depeyster St. south of E. Erie St.
                                                  Franklin Ave south of W. College St.
                                                  N. Water St. north of Portage St.
                                                 Gougler Ave north of Main St 

Conditions downtown may continue to be a little chaotic, but it’s still going to be a summer to remember in Kent, Ohio.

Kent’s Davey Tree Partners With Oprah...

With Oprah Winfrey wrapping up her 25 years on television this week, her final shows have been full of big announcements, usually with the help of some big celebrities and generous corporate partners. 

It turns out that one of Kent’s own, Davey Tree, is one of those corporate partners that is teaming up with Oprah, and Target, to promote literacy by renovating libraries across the country and planting 25,000 trees in honor of Oprah’s longtime support for reading campaigns. 

The trees offer something on multiple levels – one, they symbolically remind us that from small seeds grow mighty Oaks which is a metaphor for living and the heights that education and reading can take us; and two, there’s few places better to read, relax and play on a warm summer day than under the cover of a great tree. 

Davey Tree is probably the only tree company big enough to pull off a job of this size with service coverage nationawide (and global) but more importantly Davey’s tree care expertise will make sure that the trees thrive. 

On Monday’s show I caught a glimpse of Davey trucks and Davey employees digging in the dirt and planting a big Oak tree at one of libraries selected for this Oprah legacy project and I couldn’t help but feel hometown pride for this prominent longtime Kent based company.  

Davey Tree has posted more details on their participation in the Oprah legacy project on their web site and I’m happy to share it.  As the media picks up the project story line, people across the country will see by-lines from Kent Ohio and learn a little more about one of our best Kent ambassadors, Davey Tree. 

________________________________

The Davey Tree Expert Company
News Release

For Immediate Release                                                                           For additional information
May 24, 2011                                                                                              Sandra Reid
330/673-9515, extension 349 

Reading Takes Root

The Davey Tree Expert Company announces plans to bring more than 25,000 reading trees to communities across the country

Project announced on today’s episode of “The Oprah Winfrey Show”

KENT, Ohio – Many people say their favorite place to read a book is under the cool shade of a tree canopy, whether it’s on their backyard patio, at the park or near a beach.

The Davey Tree Expert Company is honoring the 25-year legacy of “The Oprah Winfrey Show” by bringing that coveted experience to more communities across the country.  In a program it calls “Reading Takes Root,”  Davey will donate and plant 25 large oak trees on school grounds across the U.S. in conjunction with school library renovations carried out by Target and The Heart of America Foundation.  

The initial live oak tree planting took place on May 16th at the KIPP Believe School in New Orleans, with footage of that installation appearing as a surprise to Winfrey on one of her show’s penultimate episodes, airing today, Monday, May 23. Throughout the year, Davey will also plant 25,000 more trees in communities across the country.

These trees will not only provide clean air and water, heating and cooling benefits and enhance community and property values, but they will also provide the children of these schools with shaded play areas, chances to see science in action and quiet places to read. As these trees continue to grow in good health, they will give these children chances to foster healthy bodies and healthy minds by providing places to play and learn – all driving the growth of happier, healthier communities.

“Davey is honored to celebrate ‘The Oprah Winfrey Show’ in this socially responsible initiative to plant reading trees for children in communities across the country,” says Karl Warnke, Davey’s chairman, president and CEO. “As these trees take root, we also hope the air will become cleaner, the cooling effects of shade will become broader, and the environmental and economic future of our nation’s communities will strengthen.”

For more information, go to www.davey.com/ReadingTakesRoot.

The Davey Tree Expert Company, with U.S. and Canadian operations in 45 states and five provinces, provides a variety of tree care, grounds maintenance and consulting services for the residential, commercial, utility and government markets. Founded in 1880, Davey is employee owned and has more than 7,000 employees who provide Proven Solutions for a Growing World. For more information, visit www.davey.com.

Portage Development Board...

There’s a new economic development agency in town — the Portage Development Board — and with 5 months under its belt, I’ve watched the organization get its sea legs under it, get its toes pointed in the right direction, and put in some good mileage positioning the organization to be a player in the business of creating more jobs in Portage County.

The organizational premise is pretty straight forward – more jobs for Portage County – through partnering, collaborating, cooperating, leveraging and advocating the investment value of locating or expanding businesses in Portage County. 

History has repeatedly shown that business investment tends to gravitate to those places that are well organized, that clearly communicate their business value, convey a sense of optimism and progress towards a shared vision, and perhaps most importantly, have a broad based team of local talent standing ready to be deployed to support emerging business opportunities.  The Portage Development Board is committed to make Portage County one of those places, and they’ve got a line of people busy doing just that.

Like any new organization that tries to criss-cross political boundaries, there have been some early challenges to overcome.  Not surprisingly there’s a fine line between home town pride and parochialism, especially with the economy tightening the reigns on job growth. 

It’s natural for cities and towns to fight for every last morsel of job growth and it’s tough to tell a starving man that he needs to give some to get some — but that’s exactly what it will take to break out of the cycle of living hand to mouth for economic growth — and this is the right organization to tell that story. 

As much as anything, the success of the Portage Development Board will be to de-politicize economic growth, putting business and community leaders side by side on the front lines of economic progress.  I realize I work in a political industry and politics will always be a part of how we govern our communities, but that doesn’t mean you always want to lead with your politics — at least not when you are looking to foster a vital economic base with a sense of self sufficiency and sustainability. 

The Portage Development Board business and institutional professionals have volunteered their time and leadership to give job growth in Portage County a chance to get some traction.  This isn’t some new idea; it’s a business development model that’s proven to work all over the country, state of Ohio, and even within our region of northeast Ohio. 

Portage County is in a position to be the tie that binds our many disparate towns, villages and cities and the Portage Development Board brings focus to that effort.  As a Portage Development Board member I’m encouraged by the groundwork laid in the first 5 months and I look forward to the remainder of 2010 to see how far this group of motivated business leaders can climb in the name of Portage County.

Here’s a few of the organizational work products produced in the first couple of months of Portage Development Board’s existence.  And don’t let yourself be jaded into thinking that this is another layer of bureaucracy because they produced a quarterly report and strategic plan framework — that’s just the first order of business as a new organization, their focus forward will always be what will it take to grow and attract more jobs, not plans and reports. 

2010 Portage Development Board Quarterly Report

Portage Development Board Strategic Framework

Portage Development Board Mission, Vision, Values Summary

It’s Hydrant Flushing Time...

The Public Service crews have announced that they will start making their rounds at the end of this month (starting May 31)  for the annual hydrant flushing program. 

Hydrant flushing is one of those things that it would be easy to defer because (thankfully) there’s not a lot of day to day demand on the hydrants but its also one of those things that when you need it, it has to work, so we keep up a routine maintenance schedule to make sure things are ready in case of emergency. 

For the most part, the hydrant flushing isn’t likely to affect your water service.  In a few rare instances, the flushing may stir up some sediment deposits or corrosion that could have settled in your lines after years of use, but that’s still relatively uncommon and shouldn’t be cause for alarm.  Generally, letting your own lines flush a bit after we flush out the City lines should take care of the problem. 

Consider it a little inconvenience for the insurance of knowing your hydrant is ready to be there when you need it most. 

Here’s the official press release from the Public Service Department, including the list of dates and streets for the flushing schedule:   

PRESS RELEASE

May 17, 2011

2011 Fire Hydrant Flushing

City of Kent Central Maintenance Division will begin the annual fire hydrant flushing program May 31, 2011.  Flushing will take place Tuesday through Friday, from 2:00AM to 7:00AM through the end of June.

Hydrants are flushed each year to clean and maintain the quality of the water lines, to inspect fire hydrants, and to maintain water pressure. 

When crews are flushing, you may experience a discoloration of the water in your household.  This discoloration does not indicate that the water is unsafe but may have a displeasing appearance and can stain laundry.  Because of the possible discoloration, the City recommends that the following procedure be followed during and after the time of flushing before washing clothes:

• Run a glass of water from your tap (allow water to run for 3 to 5 minutes before filling the glass);
• Check the glass for clarity.  If clear, clothes may be washed. 

PLEASE NOTE: Although the crews are scheduled to flush on your street, flushing on nearby streets may also discolor your water.  Therefore, checking the water (as stated) before washing clothes should be practiced during the entire flushing schedule.

To notify resident’s City crews will be placing signs in strategic locations the day before crews are to begin flushing in that area.

Hydrant flushing is scheduled to take place as follows:

2011 FIRE HYDRANT FLUSHING SCHEDULE

SECTION #1             May 31, 2011

Summit Street from S. Lincoln to the KSU Stadium, Loop Road, Athena, Artemis, Olympus, Fraternity Circle, Hickory Mills, Campus Center, Whitehall Blvd., Summit Gardens, University Town Homes.

SECTION #2            JUNE 1, 2011

Morris Road from Summit Street to Allerton, including Mae Street, Oak Street, School Street to Lincoln Street, Berkeley, Avondale, Allerton, Rellim Street to Lincoln Street, Bowman Street to Lincoln Street, Valleyview from Morris to Lincoln, Lincoln Commons Subdivision.

SECTION #3             JUNE 2, 2011

Kent State University Campus

SECTION #4             JUNE 3, 2011

State Route 59 from Luther Avenue east to Railroad Overpass, including Horning Road from State Route 59 to Rhodes Road.  Rhodes Road from Horning to State Route 59, Luther Avenue, Elmwood, Oakwood, Woodhill, Frances, Overlook, Birchwood Circle, Franklin Hills and The Willow Ridge Subdivision, Holly Park, Dale Drive, Ryan’s Place Apartments, Acme Plaza.

SECTION #5             JUNE 7, 2011

Downtown, Main Street from Luther to and including Franklin Avenue, Summit Street from Lincoln to Franklin including Willow Street from Summit to Crain, Kentway, Tonkin Court, Day Street, College Avenue, College Court, Erie Street, Wilson from Main to Crain, Linden, Sherman, University, Lincoln from Summit to Crain, Highland Avenue, Crain from Luther to Water Street, Brady Street, Portage Street, Columbus, Water Street from Summit to Lake Street.

SECTION #6             JUNE 8, 2011

Lake Street from Crain Avenue Bridge to the City Limits including Costley Court, Lock Street, Starr Avenue, Marvin Street, Willow Street from Crain to Lake, Gatun, Edgewood, Woodside, Miller Avenue, Steele, Doramor, Dansel, Harvey/Wilson from Crain to Lake, Burr Oak, Lake Street Apartments, Mason, King, Davey, Graham, Walter, Anna, Perry, and Virginia Avenue.

SECTION #7             JUNE 9, 2011

S. Water Street from Summit to the City Limits including Franklin Avenue from Summit to Meloy Road, Vine Street, Depeyster Street from Summit Street South, Willow Street Ext., Lincoln Street from Rellim South, Morris Road from Allerton South, Campus Center Drive from Booster Station to Devon Place to S. Water Street, Chadwick, Ivan, Beryl, Rellim Drive from Lincoln to Water, Bowman from Lincoln to Water, Valleyview from Lincoln West, School Street from Lincoln to Franklin, Elm Street from Vine to Franklin, Oak Street from Vine to Franklin, Hall Street from Vine to Franklin, Williams Street from Vine to Franklin, Cherry Street from Water to Franklin, University Plaza, Jordon Court Apartments, Currie Hall, Statesman, Benjamin, and Sunnybrook, and Indian Valley Apartments Complex.

SECTION #8             JUNE 10, 2011

All Streets West of Franklin Avenue including Mogadore Road from Stow Street to Howe Road, Overholt Road, Enterprise Way, Cherry Street from Franklin to State Route 261, Plum Street, Harris Street, Dodge Street, Elm Street, Oak Street, Maple Street, Walnut Street, Pine Street, Cedar Street, St. Clair Avenue, and Martinel Drive.

SECTION #9             JUNE 11, 2011

N. Mantua Street from Fairchild North to the City Limits, Fairchild from N. Mantua to Majors Lane including Cuyahoga, Hudson Road, Randall Drive, Harold, Stinaff Street and Ext., Longcoy Avenue, Carthage, Wolcott Avenue, Riverside Court, Grant Street, Pleasant Avenue, Orchard Street, Standing Rock Avenue, River Bend East and West Subdivision, Davey Tree Complex, Roosevelt High School, Stanton Middle School, Needham, Allen, Delores, Robert Drive, Whetstone, Rollins Circle, Nottingham Circle, Clarksview Circle.

SECTION #10           JUNE 15-16, 2011

W. Main Street from bridge to Longmere including River Street, Gougler Avenue, Mantua Street from Haymaker Pkwy. to Fairchild, Woodard Avenue, Rockwell Street, Earl Avenue, Park Avenue, Pioneer Avenue, Pearl Street, Prospect Street, Whittier Drive, Lowell Drive, Chestnut Street, Grove Avenue, Short Street, Forest Drive, Bryce Rd, Majors Lane from Fairchild to Bryce Way, Stow Street, from Main to Mogadore Road, and Haymaker Pkwy. from Longmere to River Street.

SECTION #11           JUNE 17-22, 2011

W. Main Street from Longmere to Deidrick Road including Sunrise, Sheri, Colleen, Gale Drive, N. Francis, Admore, Middlebury, Manchester, Paulus, Janet, Tallmadge Avenue, Leroy, Longmere Drive, Leonard, Meredith, Norwood, Gardenview, Elno Avenue, Jessie Avenue, Munroe Falls-Kent Road, Roosevelt, Ada, Hughey Drive, Beech Drive, Yacavona, Akron Blvd., Judith, Hampton Drive, Eton Road, Meadow Drive, Emich, Lower Drive, Marilyn Street, Overbrook, Laurel, Brentwood, Chelton, Irma, Garrett Street, Parmalee, Louise, and Deidrick Road.

SECTION #12           JUNE 23–30, 2011

Fairchild Avenue from Majors Lane to Newcomer Road including Spaulding Drive, Silver Meadows Blvd., Suzanne, Garth, Denise, Carol Drive, Silver Meadows Apartment Complex, Evergreen, Spruce Place, Pinewood Place, Forest Lakes Subdivision, Shady Lakes Drive, Kent Health Center, Fieldstone Subdivision, The Lakes of Franklin Mills Subdivision, White Oak Hills Subdivision, Cottage Gate Subdivision, Erin Drive, Kevin, Allen Drive, Verona Avenue, Adamle Drive, Deleone, and Michaels Drive.

 PLEASE REMEMBER THESE DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE, LOOK FOR SIGNS PLACED IN YOUR AREA THE DAY BEFORE FLUSHING WILL OCCUR.

 If you have any problems or questions regarding the flushing, please call the Service Department at 330-678-8105.

City of Kent, Ohio
Eugene K. Roberts
Director of Public Service

National Police Week...

 A couple of years ago I read the book ”Into the Kill Zone” which featured first-hand accounts of what it’s like to put on a badge every day and put yourself in the line of fire for the protection of our community. 

After reading the stories of 100′s of Police Officers who came face to face with split second life and and death decisions, you realize how movies and TV dramas have grossly distorted the public perception of peace keeping.  This stuff is real and there are no do overs. 

The stories introduce Police Officers who were tragically shot and other Officers who faced situations where they had to pull the trigger with equally tragic consequences.  There’s no doubt that good comes from Police protection but what emerges from the book is that the use of lethal force changes lives forever no matter which side of the gun you’re on.

In honor of the men and women in blue this week, who take these risks on our behalf, we celebrate National Police Week from May 15th to May 21st.  If you happened to drive by a City building on Sunday, May 15th you might have noticed that the U.S. Flags were hung at half mast, in memorial for all those officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

While it may not be a National holiday, May 15th is Peace Officers Memorial Day, a national day of observance that has been celebrated since 1961. 

According to Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS), about 140-160 officers are killed in the line of duty each year and their families and co-workers are left to cope with the tragic loss.   Many businesses and community members across the nation, especially those who lost family members, friends or colleagues who were local officers, will lower their flags in remembrance of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty and some police departments hold an annual law enforcement memorial ceremony on this day.

Each year, COPS organizes a national memorial service on the day, drawing thousands of people from many parts of the United States. The service is followed by the placement of a memorial wreath at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington DC. On this day, people are also reminded of the need to be vigilant against all forms of crime.

Kent Police Captain Urchek reminds us all:   ”“Twice, I’ve attended the Police Officer’s Memorial in Washington D.C. and found it to be a very moving and meaningful experience.  If you have never attended one of these ceremonies, either in D.C. or in Ohio (BCI London), then I suggest you do so and pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice and their families as well.”

Thank you Captain Urchek, Chief Lee and all our Kent Officers for being the line in the sand between harm and safety in Kent. 

Some of the faces have changed, but here's a slightly dated group photo of Kent Police Officers.

2011 Cuyahoga River Day...

There’s a lot of ways to talk about what you believe in, but nothing says it better than doing what you believe in, and that’s exactly what Kent does each year with the Cuyahoga River Day.

Kent wears its green on its sleeve — sometimes literally as we pull trash and debris out of the river weeds (we prefer to call that aquatic vegetation) — and this Friday and Saturday, May 13th and 14th, Kent’s most dedicated River fans will get a chance to celebrate the river Kent style. 

When you’ve been doing something for 21 years like Kent has with the River Day, you get pretty darn good at it — which means this year’s River Day promises to be a full day of river related festivities.  Here’s the details.

Fairchild Bridge Update...

Good news, the City Engineer is reporting that he expects ODOT to completely re-open the Fairchild Avenue @ SR 43 intersection by Thursday, May 12th of this week. 

Our soggy Spring delayed the completion of  the weather sensitive portions of the concrete and striping work but the last couple of sunny days seems to have been enough to get that work back on track. 

The timing couldn’t be better since we’ve given the green light for the Memorial Day parade to resume it’s celebratory march through downtown and out to the high school using the traditional Main Street to SR 43 route in less than 3 weeks. 

Here’s a copy of the news release on the status of the bridge work this week:

Downtown City Event Grants...

It’s no coincidence that some of the biggest sales days for businesses in downtown Kent are on those days when special events are being held in downtown. 

Whether it’s the wine and cheese festival, or the grand daddy of them all, the Heritage Festival, the more people that come downtown the more the cash registers ring in the downtown stores. 

It’s that relationship that motivates City Council to continue to set aside funds in the City budget to support organizations that plan and operate special events in downtown Kent.  That support takes the form of an annual cash contribution to Main Street Kent and in grants that are made available each year for organizations that host these events to be used to defray some of the hard costs, e.g., advertising, security, clean up, associated with the events. 

Dan Smith, Kent Economic Director, has announced open season for these grants for 2011 and interested organizations have until May 20th to submit their grant request.  There’s no strings attached; just host the event, record your costs, and then complete an event evaluation form to document its impact.   The City takes care of the rest. 

Here’s the details from Dan.

To download the grant eligibility and application forms, click here.