Police Academy II...

I can’t promise any guest appearances from the Policy Academy movie actors but I can promise that the Kent Police Department’s 2nd  Citizen’s Academy will keep you engaged and give you an inside view of what it’s like to put on the badge and keep Kent safe as a City Police Officer.

The department is scheduled to begin its second Citizen Police Academy on Thursday February 2nd.  The class is open to local residents at least 18 yeas of age with no criminal history.  Any interested applicants can access the Kent Police  website or contact Lt. Canfield for more information at 330.673.3221.

The Citizens Police Academy will involve eleven weekly classes. The first class will be held on Thursday February 2, 2012. Subsequent classes will be held each Thursday, and the graduation will be on April 19, 2012.

Each four hour class will be held at the Kent Police Department. Attendees will learn about criminal law, case law, court processes, parking and traffic enforcement, drunk and drugged driving enforcement, criminal investigations, use of force, crime prevention, and specialized police functions.

Attendees will also be afforded to experience officer “Ride-alongs” and police equipment. This is a rare opportunity for area residents to see the difference between television and the reality of police work.

Salt Program Suspended...

Tree City Coffee and Pastry Open For Business...

Downtown Kent is pleased to welcome  the new Tree City Coffee and Pastry shop which officially opened it’s doors for business today, Monday January 16th, in the new Acorn Alley expansion along Erie Street.

The trendy new coffee shop doesn’t disappoint, combining funky decor (love the arty fire place), including fully equipped wi fi seating, with great options of organic,  free trade ground beans for a long list of your favorite flavored coffee.

In a unique twist, Tree City has built in a drive thru along the west edge of the building that gives commuters a chance to not miss their morning cup of Joe.

Please help support this new locally owned shop.

Here’s a little more information off their Facebook site.

CDBG Funding Applications Available...

PROGRAM APPLICATION PROCESS

Public Safety Community Advisory Committee...

After a successful first year hosting community safety advisory committee meetings, the City is back at it in 2012 with a meeting scheduled for Tuesday, January 10th, at 7:30 am  in the training room of the main Fire Station on Depeyster Street.

The meetings are open to the public so if you have an interest in learning more about rescue team work, please feel free to attend.

Here’s the meeting notice sent out by Bill Lillich, Public Safety Director:

January 4, 2011

Dear Safety Director’s Community Advisory Committee Members,

This is a reminder that our next meeting is scheduled for next Tuesday, January 10, 2012.  The subject of this meeting is Special Rescue Teams in Portage County, of which our fire department is a substantial participant.  The presentation will take you through the selection, equipment and training process for three major Portage  County response teams with which the department participates.  These teams are the Urban Search & Rescue Team, the Confined Space Rescue Team and the Portage County Dive Team.

We hope to see you all there.

Respectfully,

Bill Lillich
Our next meeting is scheduled for March 13, 2012.

Laziza’s is Open in Downtown Kent...

The new Laziza restaurant in downtown Kent opened its doors for business for lunch and dinner today (January 5, 2012).

So make a Friday lunch date and support Kent’s newest family owned and operated business located in at the corner of Erie Street and Depeyster Street in the heart of downtown Kent.

I realize it’s a bit confusing with all the construction going on downtown but just head to the new corner building in Mr. Burbick’s Acorn Alley project and you can’t miss it.

Parking is available up and down Erie Street and around the block.

Laziza’s is a mediterranean  based cuisine that offers a tasty range of alternatives for palattes that are looking for a little more ethnic flavors.

It’s exciting to see another new place open up.  Help us support it.

Free Rock Salt for Kent Residents...

After taking November and December off, Old Man Winter tried to make up for lost time by dumping 10″ to 12″ on us earlier this week.

Did we really need to make it all up in one storm?

Fortunately, we’re getting a temporary reprieve with temperatures forecast to climb back into the 40′s for at least the next couple of days which should make most of that last storm a melting memory, but I’m guessing we’re not exactly out of the woods yet, and more snow and ice is sure to follow in the weeks to come.

With that in mind, the City is trying something new in 2012.   Anyone that follows the discussions of City Council would know that Council has wrestled for many hours on how to enlist the help of residents and businesses to clear snow and ice from sidewalks following storms.

Council even put together a committee of city residents to study what other cities have done for sidewalk clearing and the committee came back with examples of cities that played hard ball — establishing stiff financial penalties for non-shovelers — and soft ball — assigning City crews to clear critical sidewalks.  The question has been what will work best in Kent?

The expectation is that good neighbors do their part to keep the sidewalks around their homes clear but legislating good neighborliness has proven to be problematic.

Recognizing that, Kent City Council made some minor ordinance changes to put a little more pressure on residents to pitch in but they’ve also asked us to find ways to encourage — rather than enforce – more shoveling and we’ve done things like make shovels available for residents to borrow and we’ve created an annual awards program recognizing our local shovelers who went above and beyond the call of duty (watch a video of their efforts).

Along those same lines, we’re planning to try something new in 2012:  Free rock salt for Kent City residents to use on the sidewalks around their home.

On Friday, January 6th, the Public Service crews will be setting out a trash container full of rock salt for City residents to use to fill their buckets at the Yard Waste facility adjacent to Plum Creek Park.

The salt container will be oustide the fence just to the left of the Yard Waste gate so residents can come by at their convenience (24-7) to fill their bucket and salt their sidewalks.

This is meant as a service for residents, not contractors, and we will use video equipment to make sure that the right people are using this new service.

City crews will keep an eye on the salt level in the container and refill it as necessary.  Plus, there’s a phone number posted at the site to call if the salt runs out.

We’re hoping that this new service offers a small incentive to get more shovels and snow blowers working on City sidewalks to keep pedestrians safe.

It’s hard enough to battle winter’s wind and temperatures without having to make a path through un-shoveled territory.

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.