"We recognize the need for Downtown planning that can be inspired by national examples while maintaining an "Akron" approach," says Suzanne Graham, president & CEO of the organization. "A great first step is learning from the experiences of other places and discussing those ideas with as many stakeholders as possible - property owners, business owners, residents and visitors alike."

The first two programs will focus on the concept of 'new urbanism,' that embraces how the physical environment has a direct impact on the development of well-designed neighborhoods, public places, and commercial corridors.

The speaker series in Downtown Akron is being funded by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

"Creating a vibrant, livable downtown core in Akron is essential to attracting and keeping talented people in the city and expanding opportunities across the region," said Kyle Kutuchief, Knight Foundation program director for Akron. "Through this collaborative process we hope to engage the community in shaping their city and helping it grow."          

 

Lynn Richards, president and CEO of CNU

The first public meeting will be Wednesday, Sept. 9 at 7 p.m. at Greystone Hall featuring Lynn Richards, president & CEO of the Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU) in Washington, DC. The national organization has helped create vibrant and walkable cities around the U.S.

Prior to joining CNU, Richards had a distinguished career with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and held various leadership roles over 13 years, working with cities to develop strategies for land use and placemaking.

Attendance for Lynn Richard's talk is open to the public and admission is free, but a reservation is required, and can be made through Eventbrite (click link) or by calling the DAP office at 330.374.7676.

John Norquist will appear at Akron Roundtable on Sept. 17

On Sept. 17, Knight Foundation, DAP and the Akron Roundtable will sponsor a noontime talk by the former president of CNU John Norquist, mayor of Milwaukee from 1988 to 2004. Norquist became known for re-purposing a former highway to link downtown Milwaukee with its neighborhoods by creating an entirely new mixed-use initiative to provide much-needed housing, while accommodating a pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare. Norquist launched a cadre of enlightened cities that have seen the value of this massive redevelopment principle. Graham says Norquist's vision is especially meaningful as Akron re-designs its Route 59 innerbelt in Downtown Akron in 2016. Downtown Developer Tony Troppe spurred the discussion when he identified the potential for a larger discussion around the Route 59 work and other construction projects planned for the Downtown area.

Roundtable lunches are held at Quaker Station, 135 S. Broadway. The $20 price includes lunch. Doors open at 11:45 a.m., with lunch served at 12 p.m. The presentation begins at 12:20 p.m. Reservations for Akron Roundtable can be made online at www.akronroundtable.org, or by calling 330-247-8682.

"We hope that people who care about the future of Downtown Akron will join us for these meetings," said Graham.

In addition to their presentations, both Richards and Norquist will tour Downtown Akron and meet with various city and community groups.