Community groups ask council to spell out community benefits in Archwood redevelopment plan

Akron City Council heard a presentation on the proposed Archwood redevelopment plan and received public comment urging explicit community benefits and oversight in any development agreement tied to the plan.

Mister Mulhiser described the Archwood redevelopment area as roughly 176 acres containing 156 parcels between Archwood Avenue and Triplett Boulevard, bordering the Goodyear campus and Akron Fulton Airport and including Joy Park. He said the plan documents area boundaries, objectives and provides the city an opportunity to assist development using tax increment financing under provisions of the state revised code. Planning staff and the planning commission recommended approval.

Pastor Mark Tibbs, representing Centenary United Methodist Church and the Akron Community Action Network, said his group does not oppose redevelopment but is concerned that the plan’s description of a development agreement does not memorialize community benefits or a process for community involvement and oversight. He also questioned whether a 30-year duration in the redevelopment plan should apply to any development agreement with Waste Management and urged the city to ensure benefits for stakeholders impacted by a proposed waste-transfer facility.

Council discussion resulted in a committee recommendation to grant time for further consideration; the chair announced that time would be granted and the meeting adjourned.