City of Akron should show new market-rate apartments, townhomes aren't just for suburbs

In a city that keeps losing population, major developments would usually be cause for celebration.

But some Akron residents are angry with the city as it considers whether to sell land to Triton Property Ventures. If approved, the White Pond Drive site near Frank Boulevard could have more than 200 townhomes, ranches and apartments, along with space for restaurants and coffee shops.

Opponents of the city’s moves are making a strong argument for why the area would make a lovely park, but doesn’t Akron deserve to land a big project? Should all “luxury” rental properties be built in the suburbs instead?

If the developers are forced to cancel plans, is it OK for them to try again in say, Copley or Bath? What about the trees and wildlife there?

Development plans have been brewing for some 20 years, with the city acquiring the White Pond site bordering Interstate 77 and eventually constructing a road in hopes of attracting an office park.

A peat mining operation was at the site from 1952 to the mid-1980s, and a concrete aggregate supply facility was on the western portion from 1970 to 2010, according to the mayor’s office.

An “urban renewal plan” released in November 2006 by city planners calls the site blighted, but sees the potential for redevelopment that would build the city’s economic base and add jobs.

Still, plans that moved along this summer caught residents unaware, coming as they did when the city grappled with protests over the fatal police shooting of Akron resident Jayland Walker.

Opponents of the plan accuse Mayor Dan Horrigan, primarily, of not communicating with citizens.

Two key arguments stand out. It seems to us that members of Akron City Council should have expected an outcry with a project of this size. Perhaps there should be a better way to involve the public from the beginning through associated public meetings.

It also seems like some members of council are letting Horrigan take all the blame. Public hearings needed to change zoning were held in June and July, but now that public criticism has grown, council members claim not to know what they were getting into.

For a 65-acre site, you’d think council members would have pushed the mayor and developer for more details, if they didn’t have any.

Opinion:Besides new residential construction and rehabilitation, Akron needs plans, conversations

And again, as in the controversy over the possible sale of city-owned land on Theiss Road, the issue of tax abatements arises. The project is estimated to cost $50 to $55 million, and rents will range from $1,600 to $2,300.

A 15-year tax abatement for the developer and subsequent home buyers indeed sounds generous. Of course, the city could collect income tax from residents and employees at the site and eventually property taxes would flow.

It is disappointing that Horrigan hasn’t made a stronger case for how the city would benefit. His office seems to be playing defense, handing out a detailed response to residents’ environmental concerns, but not stressing the economic benefits.

Opponents, meanwhile, have gathered experts and held meetings to reflect on the attributes of the ponds and forested areas of the site. A Change.org petition seeking a delay in development plans had 544 signatures as of Friday morning.

Separately, a YouTube video by development opponent Meghan Lugo shows a trail covered in a white dusting of snow and surrounded by trees and brush. It looks nothing like the dump site described by the city; its tests describe trash and construction debris buried three to 10 feet deep, with the presence of fuel oil and other chemicals contaminating water and soil. (The city says the developer will follow Ohio Environmental Protection Agency guidelines in removing materials.)

It’s crucial for the city to act and make a decision. Petition signers would like City Council to delay any votes until April 30. Such a delay could cause construction delays for several months; the city notes that trees can’t be cut down between April 1 and Sept. 30 because endangered bats are presumed to be living there.

Triton, if allowed to move forward, will build on 29 of 65 acres. We think the city should move forward with plans, perhaps working with the developer on nature trails or other features open to the public.

Akron needs to stabilize its population and look toward the future. Having this higher-end property shows developers their ideas are welcome here.