Kent Parks and Rec Holiday Gifts...

Just in time for the holidays, Kent Parks and Recreation sent word out that their 2011 canoe/kayak river access projects are finished.

I know the temperatures seem a bit chilly but actually the water levels at this time of the year can make for some great paddling.

However, getting in and out of the river in the winter is usually a little trickier (and the stakes are a little higher in the event of a slip, trip or fall) but thanks to the new projects being done, putting in and taking out of the river has never been easier or safer.

So grab your wet weather gear and a friend with a paddle and head out for some great river recreation in Kent.

The Parks Director put together a photo chronology for the two river access projects; one in downtown Kent around the Kent Dam, and the other out at Riverbend that I thought you’d fiind interesting.

Kent State Construction Updates...

Not rain, nor sleet nor snow is going to stop all the construction activity going on around town — and that includes at the Kent State University campus.  

The weather may slow some things down but Kent State plans a full slate of winter construction projects.  Here’s the list of Kent State University Winter Construction Projects for your information:

From the Office of the University Architect

WINTER 2011 CONSTRUCTION PROJECT UPDATE

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

PROJECTS NEARING COMPLETION:

Harbourt Hall Renovations for Administrative Functions

Harbourt Hall, a former residence hall built in 1967, was renovated to provide office space for multiple administrative functions. Work entailed the conversion of the residence rooms and bathroom facilities, improvements to the public areas, and the upgrade/replacement of the entire heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems, electrical distribution, telecommunications systems, fire alarm and fire suppression systems. Punch list work remains to be completed.

Ice Arena Lighting Retrofit

Lighting systems in the Ice Arena’s main and recreational rinks were replaced with more energy-efficient lighting with flexible circuiting installed for varying light levels. On-site construction was completed on November 17 and the project is in process of being closed out.

Loop Road Recreation Field Improvements

Improvements to the Loop Road Recreation Field included installing subdrainage for the soccer fields, installation of sports lighting and irrigation, improvements to the basketball and tennis courts and amenities. As weather permits, lawn maintenance and punch list work will continue into spring 2012.

Memorial Athletic and Convocation (MAC) Center Roof Replacement, Phase 2

Work began in mid-July to replace the Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center’s existing (circa 1985) roofing systems. The existing roofing had failed and costs were escalating to maintain it to prevent further damage to building interiors and subsequent deterioration of exterior walls. Damaged sections of the roof were removed and replaced. Currently, this project is in process of being closed out.

Sidewalk at Loop Road and Recreation Fields

A new sidewalk and perimeter lighting were installed along Loop Road at the Recreation Fields. As weather permits, lawn maintenance and punch list work will continue into spring 2012.

Field House Renewable Energy Project

The Office of the University Architect is in process of negotiating with a solar power developer for the development and operation of a large, solar photovoltaic panel system on the Field House roof; these negotiations should be finalized by mid-December. With power production from the solar panels anticipated to begin the spring of 2012, electricity from the solar panels is calculated to provide about one-third of the electricity required for the combined Field House and Dix Stadium facilities; since the two facilities are electrically interconnected, each will benefit from the solar panel project. This project is the first in a prospective series of renewable energy projects involving solar panels to be installed on Kent Campus roofs. This project is expected to be used as a model for other Kent State University systems, as well as for other state of Ohio public institutions.

Kent Campus Academic Building Energy Conservation Project, Phase 1

The Office of the University Architect is preparing a Request for Proposals notice to be released late December 2011 for response by energy service companies to provide performance contracting services for energy conservation measures in Kent Campus academic, laboratory and auxiliary buildings, as well as the Summit Street Power Plant and utilities infrastructure. Proposals are planned to be due in spring 2012. It is essential that the scope of this project is fully coordinated with future planned projects. As a result of the aforementioned coordination, some buildings in each category may not be included in this project, if major work is expected as part of a capital project. Expectations for this project are that the House Bill 251 energy use reduction goal of 20% will be met or exceeded and include utility metering of the associated campus buildings. Select deferred renewal items are also planned to be retired and might include: windows, air handlers, pumps, building envelope repairs, roof replacements, piping system insulation, heat exchangers and domestic water heating systems. The project anticipates utilizing provisions under House Bill 7 for payback of the project costs with guaranteed energy savings and possibly avoided capital costs over a maximum 15-year time period.

Kent Campus Residence Services Energy Conservation Project

The Office of the University Architect and Energy Conservation Committee are working with an energy conservation service company to implement this project encompassing approximately 1,800,000 SF of twenty-six residence hall buildings on the Kent Campus to address the House Bill 251 energy use reduction goals. Potential construction installation cost is $20,000,000 resulting in $1,800,000 total annual guaranteed utility cost savings. Installation processes commenced in June 2011 and was first planned to continue through the summer of 2013; however, a deadline extension is needed in order to coordinate this project with other residence hall renovation projects planned outside of the scope of this project. This project exceeds the 20% HB 251 energy reduction goals with 37% annual energy consumption savings and avoided greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, substantial deferred renewal items are being addressed: replacement of single-pane, original windows at Prentice, Verder, Dunbar, Lake and Olson halls; installation of air handling equipment in Beall/McDowell Center, and caulking, tuckpointing, lintel repair and replacements on the building envelopes. A student room energy conservation control system will be implemented throughout; this strategy will automatically reduce HVAC and electrical usage when rooms are unoccupied. The project will utilize provisions per Ohio Legislation HB 7 for payback of project cost with guaranteed energy savings over the allowed 15-year payback time period. Envelope repairs and windows replacements in Dunbar and Verder halls are complete. Envelope repairs are complete at Engleman Hall. Temperature controls in student rooms have been installed and are operating in Centennials Halls C-F and Verder Hall. Heating control valves in student rooms have been installed in Prentice, Dunbar, Lake and Olson halls, but will not be operational until the summer of 2012. A total of 2,051 water conserving low-flow sink aerators have been installed in all of the residence halls. 467 low-flow shower heads have been installed in Centennial Courts A and B, Stopher, Johnson, Verder and Dunbar halls. To reduce electricity consumption, lighting retrofits were completed in Centennial Courts C-F, Verder, Dunbar and Engleman halls. New motors with variable frequency drives were installed on the building heating systems in Prentice, Verder, Dunbar, Lake and Olson halls. Other less intrusive energy conservation measures will continue to be installed during the academic year, such as installation of kitchen hood controls and condensate heat recovery for hot water systems. Window replacements and envelope restorations at Prentice, Lake and Olson halls are scheduled to commence during the summer of 2012.

Kent State University Renewable Energy Master Plan

A comprehensive, Renewable Energy Master Plan was completed in effort to responsibly and efficiently apply appropriate renewable energy methods throughout Kent State University’s campuses. Renewable energy deployment is the next logical step to Kent State’s aggressive, energy conservation program. This comprehensive methodology demonstrates Kent State’s stewardship of public funding, responsible cost containment for its students and environmental impact reduction. Curricular components are also being developed. A consulting firm is assisting the university with developing and refining objectives associated with implementing renewable energy solutions across its campuses. The consultant is studying the eight campus sites, facilities and utility data and preparing the Master Plan. Phase 1 of the Master Plan was completed on May 5, and suggests projects as “Priority A” 2011 and “Priority B” 2012 and beyond. “Priority A” solar photovoltaic panel projects recommended at the Kent Campus involve the Field House, Student Recreation and Wellness Center, Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center and Schwartz Center, and at Stark and Trumbull campuses. A “Priority A” wind turbine project at Ashtabula Campus is suggested. All options for grants and financing are being investigated for maximum overall project success. The Office of the University Architect is working toward a successful completion of the first project, the Field House Renewable Energy Project, before requesting to move forward with any other renewable energy projects listed on the master plan.

LEED Process Consulting Services

To demonstrate Kent State University’s commitment to sustainability, all large construction and renovation projects undertaken in the future will be certified at the USGBC LEED Silver level or above. After interviewing four shortlisted firms in October, Kent State Office of the University Architect selected one consulting firm to assist with LEED projects to complete certification processes as the university’s representative. The consulting firm will be utilized on larger, upcoming projects as those projects are funded and move forward.

PROJECTS UNDER CONSTRUCTION:

Library Second Floor Office 282 Improvements

A new entrance to Office 282 on the second floor of the Library is being created by renovating the existing storage room and adjacent work room. On-site construction is scheduled to commence on December 14, and be completed by January 27, 2012.

Lowry Hall Renovations for the College of Public Health, Phase 2

Since Facilities Planning and Operations and the Office of the University Architect moved out on October 19, the third floor east wing of Lowry Hall, approximately 7,500 SF, is being renovated for the College of Public Health faculty, staff and students. This project is the continuation of the work performed during 2010 in the third floor west wing of Lowry Hall. On-site construction commenced on October 31, and will be completed no later than January 2, 2012.

CONTRACT AWARDS PENDING:

Taylor Hall Renovations for the May 4th Visitor Center

A portion of the first floor of Taylor Hall will be renovated to construct a visitors’ center to house exhibits regarding the events of May 4, 1970. The project design will include new installation of interior partitions, finishes, electrical, teledata, audio-visual systems, and heating, ventilating, and air conditioning improvements. Construction contract awards are pending for bids that were opened on November 30. Construction is anticipated to commence on January 3, 2012.

PROJECTS ADVERTISED FOR BIDDING:

DeWeese Steam Line Insulation Replacement

At the main distribution steam line feeding DeWeese Health Center, 780 LF of Thermacore duct insulation will be removed due to failure and Gilsulate 500 pipe insulation will be installed as its replacement. Site restoration and replacement of concrete walks will be included as part of this project. This project must be done in order to avoid corrosion to the Kent Campus’ main distribution steam line; steam line failure could result in outages to the student health center complex and possible damage to the campus infrastructure. Contractors’ bids for construction will be opened on January 19, 2012. Construction is scheduled to commence mid-May.

East Campus Chilled Water Plant Chilled Water Plate and Frame Installation

A new, chilled water plate and frame unit with new piping, valving and controls will be installed in the East Campus Chilled Water Plant. This new unit will improve energy efficiencies by allowing free cooling off cooling towers during shoulder months with the use of pressure changes between condenser water and chilled water without the actual additional use of chiller operations. Contractors’ bids for construction will be opened on January 6, 2012. Construction is anticipated to commence during the spring and be completed in time for the plant to be operational for the cooling season.

PROJECTS UNDER DESIGN:

Allyn Hall HVAC Replacement and Student Room Improvements

This project will replace the two-pipe heating-only system with a four-pipe system capable of providing heating and cooling to student residential rooms in Allyn Hall. The existing heating system is beyond it useful life and is requiring constant maintenance to maintain function. New heating and cooling will provide improved student comfort, especially during the summer months and the Destination Kent State new student orientation program. In addition, the flooring will be abated and the existing built-in closets will be removed, which will provide a fresh look to the rooms.

Beall Hall Elevator Modernization

All of Beall Hall’s elevator equipment is original to the construction of this residence hall, circa 1966. Elevator modernization for the two (2) elevators includes replacement of the electromagnetic controls with a micro-processor control system. It will replace the AC to DC generator set with a variable drive AC motor. Each elevator hoistway will be re-roped and new elevator cabs will be constructed on the existing slings. New lanterns and call stations will be installed at each floor. Elevator dispatch times and travel times will be shortened by the new efficiencies in the micro-processor controls taking advantage of updated technologies.

Field House Locker Room Expansion

The locker room facilities at the Field House will be expanded for Women’s Softball, Field Hockey and Soccer and Men’s and Women’s Track teams. This is a requirement for the upcoming Title 9 accreditation in 2013. Currently, this project is under design through the Schematic Design Stage to better understand the scope and refine the construction estimates.

Heer Hall Renovations for Administrative Functions

Heer Hall, a former residence hall built in 1967, will be renovated to provide office space for multiple administrative functions. Work will involve the conversion of the residence rooms and bathroom facilities, improvements to the public areas, and the upgrade/replacement of the entire heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems, electrical distribution, telecommunications systems, fire alarm and fire suppression systems. Design work and construction documentation are underway for the relocation of Human Resources currently located in Terrace and Wright halls, as well as Business and Finance departments currently located in the Schwartz Center.

Intercollegiate Athletics Facilities Assessment and Master Plan

A consulting firm conducted an assessment of existing athletics facilities and needs of Intercollegiate Athletics’ programs. The final study provides recommendations for all varsity sports facility priorities and their associated costs. The consultant also provided marketing materials, renderings and computer animations, as requested. Intercollegiate Athletics will utilize the results of the study to plan for the next several years and to prioritize their fundraising efforts.

Library First Floor Restroom Improvements

New plumbing will be installed in restrooms on the first floor of the Library to create a centralized core area.

Loop Road Recreation Field Pavilion

At the new Loop Road Recreation Field, a new pavilion and secured field equipment storage building will be built for the convenience and use of recreation users and visitors. The pavilion will include a covered area with picnic tables for group gatherings, enclosed restroom facilities, electrical power and wireless Internet access. Site utilities, irrigation controls, field lighting and water well controls will be relocated from their current, temporary locations into the new building. A late spring construction start is anticipated with completion by mid-fall.

Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center Masonry and Window Restoration

At the Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center, masonry systems and windows are failing, permitting water to enter wall systems and the building interiors. Planned work includes repair and tuckpointing masonry; repair and installation of expansion joints; reset misplaced coping stones and sealant; installation of flashing and lintel repairs; clean and seal masonry and stone; replace glass block fenestration with new glazing systems; repair remaining windows; and repair/replace entry door hardware. This project is currently under design. Contractors’ bids for construction should be received in January 2012 for work to begin in May following Spring Commencement activities.

Prentice Dining Hall Renovation

Dining Services and the Office of the University Architect is currently contracting with an architectural firm to assist with designing the improvements to dining facilities for the Prentice Café to serve the north campus area.

Schwebel Room Improvements

Dining Services and the Office of the University Architect is currently contracting with an architectural firm to assist with designing the improvements to the Schwebel Dining Room located on the third floor of the Student Center.

Science Research Building Roof Replacement and Masonry Repairs

Bid documents are in production for work to restore the Science Research Building’s exterior envelope. The building and planetarium wing will be reroofed, and masonry repairs will be performed based upon the building envelope assessment report findings. This project is an envelope restoration project intended to replace a failing roof system, repair minor masonry failures at the exterior walls, and install a fall protection system for maintenance personnel working on the roof. This project should be bid for construction in January 2012. Work should begin as weather permits in the spring and might continue into fall semester.

Student Center Envelope Restoration

Work is underway to design repairs and prepare bid documents to restore the Student Center’s exterior building envelope. Contractors’ bids will be received in January 2012 for construction to begin in May, following Spring Commencement activities and continue into fall semester. Work will involve masonry repairs and restoration, cleaning and sealing; expansion joint replacement; window caulking; exterior plaster soffit and lighting replacement; waterproofing and paver repairs/replacement at exterior decks.

Summit Street Improvements Study

A study is being developed to determine how the Summit Street improvements proposed by the city of Kent can be integrated into Kent State’s University Green project, the campus parking lot south of Summit Street, and the overall campus fabric. The potential improvements to Summit Street will benefit the city of Kent and the Kent Campus and solidify the roles that Summit Street, the University Green and Risman Plaza play as a major entrance into Kent State University.

Summit Street Power Plant Cooling Towers Upgrades, Phase 2

Two new cooling towers, one tower water pump, one new primary and a secondary chilled water pump will be installed in the Summit Street Power Plant. This project will also provide new VFDs for each pump and for new cooling towers, new structural steel for towers, controls, balance system, cooling tower controls and programming. The addition of these new cooling towers will address the necessary capacity issues currently associated with the plant and will allow for full operation of the facility. These modifications will enable the chilled water plant to save energy through operations and controls. Design of this project should be completed by the end of the year. This project should be advertised for a February bid opening. Construction is anticipated to commence during the spring and completed within the cooling season of 2012.

The University Green

Currently under design, this project will extend the design of the Risman Plaza renovations to the lawn area south creating a contiguous outdoor space. The project will close the eastern portion of Risman Drive and redirect traffic to the western end. Landscape improvements will include new sidewalks, trees, planting beds, campus gateway and signage along Summit Street.

Tri-Towers Residence Halls Rooms and HVAC Upgrades

Built in 1968, the Tri-Towers complex consists of two ten-story residence halls, one twelve-story residence hall and a central connecting building for dining and student activities. The complex houses approximately 1,400 students and has received two large-scale, but partial renovations within the last ten years. The scope of this project addresses the remaining deferred maintenance issues, including aging HVAC infrastructure, building envelope failures, interior room configurations and finishes that were not corrected as part of previous renovations and to extend the life of the buildings for another thirty years. The Office of the University Architect is under contract with an architectural firm to assist with designing and providing project management for all phases of the project. The selected Architect of Record participated with university officials to interview and select an MEP Engineering firm; the Architect has contracted directly with the MEP firm. Qualifications of commissioning agents are under review by the university architect’s office; the commissioning agent will contract directly with Kent State. Bidding and construction will be scheduled over a three-year time frame with the majority of construction work completed while buildings are unoccupied during the summer breaks of 2012 through 2015.

White Hall Exterior Improvements

This project has been placed on hold.

TOWN / GOWN PROJECTS:

Kent State University Esplanade Extension

To provide enhanced student and staff pedestrian connections to downtown Kent, Kent State University is working with the city of Kent, using grant funding, to extend the University Esplanade from Lincoln Street to Haymaker Parkway and the new downtown development and Kent Gateway Multimodal Center with a modest, decorative arch at the west terminus. The final path of the Esplanade will be on properties purchased by the university and the vacated Erie Street row. The Esplanade link will continue the theme of a lighted concrete walkway with brick accents and be used as a multi-purpose route for pedestrians and bicyclists. New landscaping and architectural landscape features will accent the new entrance to campus. Design plans are underway with construction anticipated to commence in 2012.

Kent State University Hotel and Conference Center

A Hotel and Conference Center in downtown Kent is a joint venture between The Kent State University Foundation and The Pizzuti Companies. An approximately 90,000 SF, 110-room Hotel and Conference Center is being built with seating capacity for 300 people, a 100-seat lecture room and Kent State University store.

Franklin Kent JEDD Producing Results...

As part of the smart growth movement that swept through states over the last decade, Ohio jumped on the bandwagon passing legislation that reduced the ability of cities to annex township lands by creating new Joint Economic Development Districts, aka JEDDs. 

These new JEDD districts offered cities and towns a chance to form partnerships rather than battling it out over contentious annexation.  The JEDDs give a little something to both sides – townships get to share in income tax which they have no statutory authority otherwise to collect and cities can grow their boundaries and expand their tax base. 

Kent has formed JEDDs with both Franklin and Brimfield Townships, and we even have a joint-joint-joint district between Brimfield, Kent and Tallmadge around the SR43 Interchange on 76.  

 These JEDDs have provided some much needed revenues to cash strapped townships, and the cities have welcomed their share of the new tax revenues as well.  The JEDD agreements typically involve some sharing of income taxes (e.g., 45% or 50% split) in the areas designated as falling within the JEDD boundaries.  

In total, the Kent Franklin JEDD has collected over $1.6 million in income tax receipts – $889,000 to Kent and $727,000 to Franklin Township.  That works out to be about $250,000 or so to Kent per year at the current JEDD tax rate which according to the terms of the agreement is set to double next year.

There is also a certain amount set aside off the top to to be dedicated to new projects within the JEDD areas.  A good example of that kind of project would be the new sidewalk that you can see being built along SR 59 in the Franklin Township.

A couple of years ago in one of our JEDD meetings we talked about the need to have sidewalk in this corridor that has a lot of pedestrians that too often end up walking at their own risk along the edge of a busy section of roadway. 

From that first conversation, we proceeded to commit some JEDD funds to partner with Portage County to develop the preliminary engineering that would be needed to go after regional grant funds ($165,000). 

It all came together and now we have new sidewalk being built in a much needed shared section of street between the township and the City.   

Photo from Record Courier News Article

 It’s a great example of a project that probably would never have been able to funded without the seed money from the JEDD.  

More proof that success in this current economy comes down to how good a partner you can be.  We’re proud to be partners with our neighboring townships.

Kent River Projects...

One project that Jim Bowling didn’t have time to mention in his Capital Projects wrap up for 2011 was the river access work that Kent Parks and Recreation have been busy overseeing this year. 

You may recall that 4 years ago the City hired the premier whitewater park engineering firm in the country to work with Kent residents, businesses and staff to come up with a long term water access and recreation plan for the stretches of the Cuyahoga River that runs thru downtown Kent. 

The idea was to build on the great success of the dam restoration project — which significantly improved water quality in the river — and continue to expand passive and active enjoyment of the river resource in Kent. 

The first step of enjoying the river is getting to it, and following up on the recommendations of the engineering firm, the City obtained $250,000 in State waterway funds to improve access to the river.  That grant included building a new canoe/kayak put-in up in Riverbend, new portage areas along the river’s edge near the dam, and new stairs and rails to slide a canoe/kayak from street level up above the river down to the river.

Kent Parks and Rec has been working with a contractor to use the State grant funds to build these river access improvements and by spring of 2012 river enthusiasts will be able to enjoy them. 

Kent Parks and Rec has also been working with the City Engineer to continue to plan for the next (and just about last) segments of the Portage Hike and Bike Trail which will run parallel to the river thru downtown Kent.  These last segments will connect the trail section from the new Fairchild Avenue Bridge to the great new sections behind Fred Full Park that go out to Middlebury Road. 

The access improvements were the easy part of the long term whitewater park plan — the hard part is finding the roughly $500,000 to $750,000 needed to build the in-river improvements to convert the section of the river in downtown Kent into a whitewater park training and recreation area. 

I haven’t posted about the whitewater park concept in some time but my enthusiasm for the idea is no less diminished.  I’ve seen too many other cities go thru this same process and come out with a great new environmental amenity that is viewed as a quality of life and economic development asset. 

The popularity of river recreation in Kent was evident with the early success of the Crooked River rental and livery services and there’s a sense that they’ve only just begun to tap into that market.

So where do we find the cash for the in-stream improvements?  That’s the million dollar question. 

It turns out that Dayton Ohio got funds from a local foundation to do the same thing that we’re talking about.  I have to admit I felt pangs of jealousy over Dayton’s funding but at least it validated the idea that we’re on the right track with our river plans in Kent.  Now we’ve just got to find an equally minded foundation for Kent. 

Here’s the details on the Dayton plans from an article in the Dayton Daily News.

$1 million grant spurs Great Miami River project
By Steve Bennish, Staff Writer
Updated 3:18 PM Wednesday, July 27, 2011

DAYTON — Imagine the scene a year after the hazardous Monument Avenue low dam is removed and replaced with two dam-like structures that offer safe passageways for recreational paddlers on the Great Miami River.

Downtown, many more people will be in the river piloting canoes and kayak play boats that dart and dance on engineered whitewater. Some will be pros executing elaborate moves and others will be newbies gliding down some fast water.

Crowds of people will be on shore watching, especially on weekends, predicts Carrie Scarff, the Five Rivers MetroParks point person for the dam removal and river restoration project.

That project, the better part of a decade in the making, got a boost Tuesday when executives with Cox Enterprises announced that the James M. Cox Foundation will provide a $1 million challenge grant toward the estimated $4 million construction effort.

It’s a top priority for the Downtown Dayton Plan, which includes among its goals attracting thousands of more people to live in a revitalized downtown. The river features would be under the management of Five Rivers Metro Parks.

The project is designed to hit several goals including river safety, water sport recreation and making downtown a draw for more residential and business development.

“This is great for the region, fantastic for the city,” said Dayton Mayor Gary Leitzell.

The Monument Avenue low dam, built in 1978 to provide a patch of still water and a deep pool for power boating, was the site of a fatal drowning in 2003. The dam has no flood control purpose and would not pose a flooding issue if removed.

Scarff has been studying the potential of the project for the better part of a decade. Similar waterway improvements have been completed in Reno, Nev.; Pueblo, Colo.; Missoula, Mont.; and nearby in Springfield on Buck Creek.

Scarff expects the river will be a regional draw with tourists coming from Indianapolis, Cincinnati and Columbus. For example, in Missoula, Mont., a whitewater project created a dynamic draw that includes contests every Thursday that pulls in an audience of a couple hundred, Scarff said.

The grant was announced by Cox Enterprises Chairman Jim Kennedy who appeared with other executives at the Cox Arboretum.

“The James M. Cox Foundation and Cox Enterprises are strong believers in doing what we can to make a lasting impact on our natural resources. This project is a great example of that,” Kennedy said. “We all need to do our part, and my hope is that this gift will inspire others to make a difference and get this critical project done.”

Key to the decision was Alex Taylor, Executive Vice President of Cox Media Group and great-grandson of the late Gov. James M. Cox. In 2010 while working in Dayton, he committed to resolving the low dam safety issue and led the company in its first participation at Clean Sweep of The Great Miami River. Taylor, a recreational paddler and fly fisher who wrote a book about fishing, is on the board of directors of the nonprofit American Rivers, an organization dedicated to restoring natural river flows. He pursued the grant with the family foundation.

When the project completes, Taylor said, “I hope (the river) is a more accessible and safe place for kids and families. We should all be able to enjoy this.”

Bernie Farley, co-owner of watercraft dealer Whitewater Warehouse, 104 Valley St., hosts a Wednesday evening river trip for 75 boaters who travel from Eastwood MetroPark to his business along the river not far from RiverScape.

“I’ve been to these places around the country and it’s amazing the amount of return for the investment,” he said. “We’ll bring a new breed of consumer to the Dayton area. We have so many enthusiastic outdoors people here. It will have a dramatic effect. The economic effect will be huge.”

Brian Linnean, owner of the Wine Gallery and Cafe at the corner of Main Street and Monument Avenue along the river, now partners with the Whitewater Warehouse on river tours. He said he’d expand his business and install bike racks and kayak racks when the project completes.

“It will be a great deal for downtown,” he said. “Right now, the low dam scares off a lot of people.”

Mike Ervin, co-chair of the Downtown Dayton Partnership and chairman of the board of managed care company CareSource, which built a new headquarters downtown near the river, said: “We are thrilled with the leadership role Cox has taken in moving this project forward. They are strong supporters of strengthening our community. This project is critical to a vibrant downtown, but is it much more. It will contribute to the economic development of our entire region, whether you live in Tipp City or Centerville.”

The project should work well with the 285 miles of regional bike trails and Dayton Dragon’s at Fifth Third Field, Scarff said, to build excitement for downtown. By next year, two major bike trail connection projects should link downtown Dayton to Troy and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and Fairborn.

In the plan, the low dam would be removed along with its dangerous five-foot drop and deadly downstream boil. Two stretches of engineered limestone blocks or boulders would be built to reach across the river east and west of the North Main Street bridge.

One stretch would be at the RiverScape MetroPark. The second would be near the YMCA building at the riverside amphitheater and concrete platform stage shaped like a boat.

The rock formations across the river will look something like dams, but will have engineered passages through them for watercraft. Each stretch would give paddlers a ride through a safe two-foot drop.

The 30- to 40-foot-wide passages would be arranged so that experienced paddlers could take a more challenging ride and the less experienced could use a gentler drop.

Each rock used in the river structures would be about 2 tons and each structure will be from 390 to 400 feet across. From 800 to 1,000 boulders would make up each structure.

Water quality will also improve and new habitats for fish will be created, said Dusty Hall, program development manager with the Miami Conservancy District. “It’s a win on recreation and on attraction and retention of the workforce,” Hall said.

The Cox grant should provide a strong kickoff for the project.

“The idea is to use this money to get the project going,” said Julia Wallace, Vice President for Cox Media Group, which includes the Dayton Daily News.

“Cox is concerned about good stewardship of natural resources. This project fits right in with that. Our rivers are beautiful and a great resource for the area. The more we can make them a prime attraction for residents and tourists, the better. The river can and should be a focal point for the community.”

Wallace said fundraising will be aimed at securing large corporate donations to get the project underway according to an aggressive construction schedule that could begin next year.

By September, MetroParks hopes to have final engineering construction plans that can be put out for bid. Permit approvals are needed from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, the city and county.

According to an early schedule, a bid could be awarded by Jan. 2, 2012, and construction could begin in February.

A preliminary completion date is February 2013 — the 100th anniversary year of the Great Flood — allowing for a year of construction, Scarff said.

Ervin said he’s confident that the remaining funding can be raised. “Times are tough. But we have to reach deep and do something special,” he said. “I’m very optimistic.”

The James M. Cox Foundation is named in honor of the Cox Enterprises’ founder who purchased the Dayton Daily News in 1898 and was Ohio’s first three-term governor.

Cox Media Group Ohio includes the Dayton Daily News, WHIO-TV, WHIO-AM/FM, Springfield News-Sun, Hamilton JournalNews and the Middletown Journal, as well as other publications and broadcast outlets in southwest Ohio.

End of Year Capital Projects Update...

The holiday season is a time of traditions and one of the City’s end of year traditions brings the City Engineer, Jim Bowling, in to the last City Council meeting to provide an update on the numerous capital projects that he and his staff managed during the course of the last 12 months. 

With all of the construction work that we’ve had going on it’s hard to stay current on everything, so Jim’s presentation is a favorite among the Council members and the staff.  In keeping with the season, hearing Jim’s report feels a bit like opening community presents. 

Anyone who drove around town in the last 12 months knows first-hand that 2011 was a banner year in construction in Kent – with traffic detours and lane reductions around every corner —  so Jim had lots to talk about.

Not surprisingly, Jim made sure to give plenty of time to the status of the new Fairchild Avenue bridge and downtown redevelopment.  Either one of these projects could take an hour to cover in any detail but Jim did his best in the time he had available.  With the projects in various stages of completion there were lots of questions about how things are working, what things are done, and what parts are still to come. 

In a sign of progress, if you pulled the minutes from Jim’s presentation at the end of 2010 you’d see that he talked a lot about the status of the engineering, surveying and design work for these projects, whereas this year his focus was on what construction had been done to date.  From blueprints in 2010 to hammers and nails in 2011 — progress!

The biggest takeaway from Jim’s talk would be that nearly all of the City’s major initiatives are underway at this point.  City planners have officially handed the ball off to the construction engineers, and over the course of the next 12 months the building inspectors will be asked to carry the ball over the goal line when its time to issue the certificates of occupancy. 

Thats when the real fun begins.

Unfortunately we don’t have the benefit of Jim’s audio explanations but here’s the slides from Jim’s powerpoint presentation.

Senior Services...

There’s been talk for some time about the wave of baby boomers that are entering their golden years and the impacts that bubble will have on local communities but it always felt like it was somewhere out there over the horizon.  I’m thinking somewhere is now. 

It turns out we’re already in the midst of that senior wave, it’s just a slow roller so I don’t think we necessarily recognize the waters rising around us. 

They say if you put a frog in a boiling pot he’ll hop right out, but turn the heat up slowly and the frog will never realize what a mess he’s got himself into until it’s too late.  We don’t want to be that frog, so after the recent senior housing dilemma in Kent we’re working hard to have plenty of cooler pots to jump into.

Its been reported that all but 5 seniors have moved into new housing with the sale of the Silver Oaks property, and those 5 remaining residents have secured housing that they will move into in January 2012.  So the immediate housing relocation crisis appears to be passed but the lesson remains to start planning since none of us are getting any younger. 

As a matter of fact, that point really hit home when I saw some recent data that illustrated the aging patterns in Ohio.  Not surprisingly Ohio’s baby boomers mirror the national pattern.

Pretty compelling data with a great visual showing the movement of the boomers into their later years.  The question for us is are we prepared for them, and their housing needs, their health service needs, their economic needs, their security, etc. 

When the bubble is relatively small, we can handle the demand but as it grows so significantly, we need to be ramping up as well.  Yet, with the economy circling in a holding pattern overhead (which for the record is far better than crash landings that some communities have had to deal with) the question is how do we expand our service base to meet the changing needs of our customers.

It’s always dangerous to lump population segments into categories but it’s pretty clear that as we all get older, we’ll need a little more help and we recognize that we need to be stitching together that bigger community safety net right now so it’s ready when the bubble lands. 

To that end, the staff has really started to dig into gaining a better understanding of senior living and senior quality of life expectations.  It’s early yet but it seems to me that senior housing and senior public health are likely to be the two most significant areas of City engagement.  The good new is that there are natural partners out there for both of those areas so we plan to work as collaboratively as possible to leverage expertise and dollars wherever possible. 

Interestingly, seniors are often attracted to university cities and the amenities that they offer so we think Kent is potentially uniquely positioned to serve seniors.  If we get this right, I think it will really secure the stability of the Kent community for decades. 

More work will follow these topics but I thought it was worth noting that there’s been a re-focusing of efforts to prepare for the arrival of the baby boomers in their prime and after.

Behind the Scenes of the New Fairchild Bridge...

The new Fairchild Avenue bridge has been open for just over a month and motorists seem to be settling in to the new traffic patterns. The initial traffic counts suggest that those patterns are consistent with the what the engineers had in mind when they designed the bridge — which was move traffic through the intersection safely and quickly, and where possible discourage thru traffic from cutting through the adjacent neighborhoods.

According to the traffic counters, so far so good.  There’s less traffic cutting thru the Crain Avenue neighborhood (almost a 50% reduction), more traffic is driving thru downtown Kent, and there’s less congestion at the intersection for all traffic movements.  Considering the project isn’t done yet, these are all good indicators.

That’s not to say everything is running perfectly and there’s plenty of tweaking that will continue to go on, but fundamentally traffic is flowing more efficiently and safer.  The traffic counters will also continue to monitor the traffic patterns to make sure the signal timing is optimized to achieve the goals of all the project, and to add signs where appropriate. 

Being the largest bridge project in the history of Portage County, it’s no surprise that we held an appropriate ribbon cutting ceremony that included as many of the local dignitaries that could join us on a chilly morning in October. 

The Mayor officially christened the bridge, being the first to drive across it in an antique car but the truth be told, technically, George, our local wheelchair celebrity, beat the Mayor across the bridge in his chair to much applause.  

I’m sure all of the local dignitaries presumed that they were the first to get a chance to walk the bridge, but in the interest of full disclosure, a group of Boy Scouts performed a complete inspection of the bridge prior to the offiical opening — just to make sure everything was in good worker order for the opening.  

Call it our soft bridge opening, where we figured if it could stand up to the scrutiny of 12 energetic scouts, it was ready for anything.   

Here’s some images from the Scout bridge inspection (Jim, City Engineer, is the tall one) –

It all starts with safety gear, vests and hard hats.

With the exception of one Scout, the bucket brings the Scouts some peace.

The Scouts take command of the bucket loader, which gives one Scout some concern.

The Scouts leave no stone unturned, inspecting the hike and bike trail tunnel.

The bridge columns sit in the background as the Scouts consider the movement of trains under the bridge.

The bridge decking passes inspection so the Scouts proceed to check the wall height.

The Scouts give a visual check on the overhead lighting.

The details of the traffic control box that runs the signals is explained in such great detail that one Scout takes a short nap.

The Scouts grill the City Engineer with load bearing questions putting the pedestrian wall to the test.

A successful completion to a difficult bridge inspection.

Scouts react to City Engineer's suggestion to re-inspect the bridge one more time.

A Little Statewide Recognition for Kent...

Earlier this year, the Kent downtown revitalization project was nominated for consideration for one of the annual State of Ohio economic development awards. 

I’m pleased to report that we placed 3rd overall in the best project category – a very worthy validation for our project, but candidly, not the first place that we were hoping for. 

It’s not like there’s some big cash award for first place, or tax free status in the State of Ohio for a year prize; it’s just the recognition for a job well done that we thought the Kent project deserved. 

Being the competitive sort that we are, the first reaction to 3rd was a bit of a let down, but looking closer at the results it turns out that we took 3rd behind a couple of really big and really good economic development projects so 3rd started looking more impressive with each passing day. 

After a couple of weeks of mounting pride, we started feeling so good about third that Dan decided it was time to share the press release that you’ll find below with the local media. 

So here’s to 3rd place, nice job Kent! 
(for the record we’re already planning on re-submitting next year with our eyes on the top seat).

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Press Release By Dan Smith, Kent City Economic Development Director

Daniel D. Smith, Economic Development Director
City of Kent
215 East Summit Street
Kent, OH 44240
(330) 676-7582

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Fill A Police Cruiser...

Normally the words “Filling a Police Cruiser” are probably not what you want to hear as you duck your head getting in to the back seat, but this time its all good — the only thing in the back seat will be cans of food, dancing Elmo, and Chutes and Ladders.   

The Kent Police & Citizens Association are sponsoring their annual Fill-A-Cruiser event on Saturday December 10, 2011 from 1 pm to 4 pm at Walgreen’s (320 S. Water St.).

The Police will be accepting toys, games, non perishable food items and monetary donations.   All proceeds and items collected will be used to benefit families in the Kent area during the holiday season.

If you are unable to make the event, items can be dropped off at the Kent Police Department before December 10th.  For more information contact Police Lt. Treharn at 330 676-7572.  

Times are tough all around and even a little bit will go a long way towards making someone’s holiday special this year.