Thursday, December 21, 2006

The Gateway District

Story 1: Several weeks ago, the Market Street/Midlothian intersection was brought up as a potential site for improvement during a community design session in Boardman township. The following graphic identifies the amount of open space that occurs at this vital gateway between both the city and the township. The intersection proper is currently home to two vacant lots, a partially vacant bank that is 'For Lease' and Sami's Quick Stop. The northwest corner will soon be anchored by a new library to serve the area.



Story 2: Market Street is an important corrider that runs through both the City and the Township and both have identified this stretch as vital to their communities' future success.

Story 3: Mayor Williams has expressed interest in using Joint Economic Development Districts (JEDD) "as a way to promote regional, economic cooperation." He has recently appeared on the David Betras Show more than once discussing and debating this economic strategy and its ability to be used effectively in our city. JEDD's are a North East Ohio invention (by current mayor of Akron, Don Plusquellic) that allow a city to receive a portion of the taxes from the development on township property, without the threat of annexation. The result is a mutually agreeable development.



Conclusion: Now, like some Guy Ritchie movie, wouldn't it be great if all three of these story lines came crashing together to create one harmonious and enlightening ending? I see this intersection as having great potential for some sort of development. Do you agree? Maybe there is a different way to create a welcoming gateway into the city that is anchored by a brand new library.

Thoughts?

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I think if anyone should be worried about this area it should be Boardman. In my opinion, township officials should be seriously looking at redevolping the northern portions of the township, especially along Market street. The blight of Youngstown is a stones-throw away from Boardman, and suburbs are definitely not immune to the decline that was historically associated with inner cities. Newcomers are warned not to move into neighborhoods in the northern part of Boardman. (I would know) And residents of that area are worried about the neighborhood. Some new investment in the immediate area would benefit both Boardman and Youngstown. I feel this should be a top priority.

Anonymous said...

Boardman is going to be screwed if they don't find a way to fix the gangs, drugs, and "ghettoness" quick. Boardman has always been an outstanding township. Now, it's below that. Five more years and it's going to go to hell.