A Project for Citizen Participation in Planning the Future of Akron

GOALS for the GREATER AKRON AREA

M.G. O'Neil, Chairman
Goals for the Greater Akron Area

DECEMBER 1974

Contents

INTRODUCTION

Goals for the Greater Akron Area was formed by a group of community leaders in the Summer of 1973. Purpose of the organization is to involve as many citizens as possible in setting goals for the future; then working to implement those goals through citizen task forces which will report to the community at large. GGAA is a bi-partisan, privately funded, nongovernmental organization dedicated to bringing together the public and the private sectors of the area in order to effect better communication and greater effectiveness of action.

Goals for the Greater Akron Area presented in this pamphlet were adopted as follows:

In the Fall and Winter of 1973-74, ten meetings were held in Akron neighborhoods to learn what citizens saw as problems of the present and hopes for the future.

A representative group of citizens from these neighborhoods met in conference in Columbus, Ohio with community leaders to write a set of proposed goals, taking into consideration views expressed at the previously described meetings.

Proposals adopted by this conference were publicized throughout the community. Questionnaires were distributed and additional neighborhood meetings were held to get community reaction to the proposed goals.

The conferees who had met in Columbus reconvened for two meetings to rewrite the goals, taking into consideration the citizens' comments. As a result of these meetings, some goals were clarified and new goals were added.

Early in 1975, Task Forces will be appointed in each of the Goals areas to work out alternate means and feasibility of achieving the goals, cost analyses, prioritization, etc. Task Force reports will be formally submitted to the public in the Bicentennial year of 1976.

M. G. O'Neil, President of The General Tire & Rubber Company, is Chairman of Goals for the Greater Akron Area. The Board of Trustees, as it is presently constituted, is as follows; this Board will be enlarged in the near future:

COLUMBUS CONFEREES

Although it is estimated that approximately 3000 people have participated directly in the goals-setting process, the following attended the Columbus conference and deserve credit for the actual writing and redefining of the goals.

Adopted Unanimously by Conferees

RACISM/DISCRIMINATION
(Adopted in May 1974)

The issue of discrimination is common to all topics of discussion; therefore, it should be recognized as a major concern and its elimination specified as a goal.

Not only should a task force be constituted to handle - in depth - the issue of discrimination, but, in addition, each task force should be cognizant of this issue as it relates to the entire Goals program.

We, the conferees of the GGAA conference, recognizing the inability of the developmentally disabled to represent themselves at our conference, pledge to serve as advocates of their special needs in all our goals.

It is in the highest tradition of the achievement of justice in a democratic society to provide equality of opportunity and freedom of choice in fact as well as in theory. This equality cannot exist so long as racism and discrimination are present. No other issues have more profound implications regarding America's - and Akron's - success in achieving their goals.

THE ELIMINATION OF ATTITUDES, ACTIVITIES, AND INSTITUTIONAL STRUCTURES WHICH DISCRIMINATE AGAINST OR SUBORDINATE ANY PERSON OR ANY GROUP ON THE BASIS OF: ETHNIC OR GEOGRAPHIC ORIGIN; RELIGIOUS, POLITICAL, INTELLECTUAL, OR PERSONAL OPINION; PHYSICAL OR MENTAL DISABILITY; ECONOMIC STATUS; OR AGE, RACE, SEX OR CRIMINAL HISTORY.

WE MUST CONSCIOUSLY AND ACTIVELY WORK TOGETHER TO ERASE ALL TRACES OF RACISM AND DISCRIMINATION FROM OUR COMMUNITY.

1. Existing boards and commissions must be evaluated to insure they have the necessary authority, composition, staff, and funding to work for prevention and elimination of racism; and, if such groups prove inadequate, more effective ones must be created. To this end, the legislative mandate and powers of the Human Relations Commission must be examined.

2. Neighborhood and community-wide meetings sponsored by such organizations as Boards of Education, local governments, Goals for the Greater Akron Area, and neighborhood groups, should be encouraged to offer forums for discussion of community problems.

3. The very existence of the above goals suggests the need for a concentrated effort to promote greater community awareness and understanding of the divisive aspects of racism.

The future of the Greater Akron area must be built on a strong economic foundation. A strong economic base provides and attracts the necessary human and physical resources which enable the community to thrive.

WE MUST MAINTAIN AND DEVELOP A STRONG, DIVERSIFIED ECONOMY WHICH PROVIDES A FULL RANGE OF EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL PEOPLE AND IS CONSISTENT WITH ORDERLY AREA GROWTH.

1. In order to attract and maintain business and industry, we must foster a positive community attitude and image. We must tap the ingredients for greatness - character, pride, uniqueness, a strong work force, and other community resources.

2. To maintain and to attract industry and commerce, we must expand and promote such services and amenities as sewer, water, transportation, housing, schools, parks, and cultural activities, where it is economically feasible.

3. In addition to attracting new industry and commerce, we must make a continuing effort to keep existing business and industry in the area and to encourage local expansion, where feasible.

4. There must be some sort of general economic plan for the entire area which identifies conditions, needs, and resources for development, and recommends alternative means for achieving a strong economy. The first step must be a comprehensive inventory of business resources.

5. A development board, perhaps combining several existing private groups and with cooperation from the public sector, should be formed to implement this plan.

6. The educational system, cooperating with industry, business, labor, and government, must provide skills and training needed in the area work force. Emphasis on such approaches as on-the-job training should be considered.

7. Business and labor must recognize the mutual benefits of a strong competitive economy, and cooperate fully, to create a climate conducive to meeting our ideal goals.

8. While zoning and development standards are needed for orderly growth, local governments should simplify procedures and develop innovative standards to help make this area more competitive in terms of keeping existing industries and attracting new business and industry.

9. GGAA should determine its role, whether as the nucleus of the public-private coalition, or as an independent monitor.

10. We must coordinate and intensify efforts to provide equal employment opportunities for all people in both the public and private employment sectors.

Unless government fulfills its role of maintaining a system of law and justice for everyone relevant to the needs and expectations for safety and security in the community, the very fabric of society is threatened. If this role is not fulfilled, there is a loss of confidence and a resulting decline in the overall quality of life. Equally important is the responsibility of the citizen to respect the rights to physical safety and personal security by supporting the laws which guarantee those rights or by seeking to change those laws which are no longer just or relevant.

GREATER AKRON SHOULD DEVELOP MORE RELIABLE, EFFICIENT, EFFECTIVE AND FAIR LAW ENFORCEMENT AND PUBLIC SAFETY SERVICES IN ORDER TO PROTECT ITS RESIDENTS AND INSPIRE THEIR CONFIDENCE IN THEIR COMMUNITY.

1. Fragmentation and duplication of public safety administration must be eliminated. Regionalization is desirable, particularly from the standpoint of record keeping, communication, recruitment, and training.

2. At the same time, there should be a decentralization of public safety services and personnel to bring them closer to the neighborhoods they serve.

3. The Police Department should expand its community relations program; and the public schools should offer programs to increase understanding of the role of the safety forces, to foster respect for the law, and to reinforce crime prevention.

4. There must be greater contact between the safety forces and the public to improve the attitude of the people toward law enforcement and to make the safety forces more responsive to the people.

5. Emphasis should be put upon upgrading professionalism of safety officers, such as increased training, more formal education, and performance-oriented incentives for promotion.

6. Racism and sexism must be eliminated, both within public safety departments and in dealings with the public. The makeup of the safety forces should more fully reflect the composition of the community.

7. Crime prevention should be emphasized.

8. Police and social and health service agencies should cooperate fully in early identification of potential offenders and rehabilitation of past offenders.

9. There must be a far more comprehensive approach to increase the effectiveness of the criminal justice system through coordination of the enforcement, court, and correctional operations.

10. The judicial system must have the capability and resources to conduct its responsibilities in a fair, impartial, timely, and consistent manner.

EDUCATION

Education, more than any other factor in society, determines the ability of people to achieve their life goals, live well-adjusted and meaningful lives, share in the society's resources, and participate as responsible citizens in their community. The complexities of modern society have greatly expanded the responsibilities imposed on area educational systems. Central to these responsibilities is the need to generate better understanding among all who participate in and share the benefits of quality education. The schools are not only charged with providing basic skills, but also with an ever-growing range of social programs, ranging from identification of health problems to providing recreation and citizenship training. It is an awesome task.

THE AKRON AREA MUST BE COMMITTED TO DEVELOPING THE FINEST EDUCATION SYSTEM IT CAN, TO THE END THAT EVERYONE WOULD HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO ASSUME AS MEANINGFUL AND REWARDING A ROLE IN SOCIETY AS POSSIBLE.

1. To meet the changing needs of society, area school systems should develop or strengthen programs such as vocational education, family life education, athletic activities for girls, and continuing education.

2. Since schools are a major community resource, they should be fully used for recreation, learning, and cultural activities all year round.

3. Location of new schools should be part of an overall development plan for the Akron area. Board of Education officials should work closely with local governments in this area to insure that new schools are developed as the best possible resource for the entire community.

4. Communications must be opened between the public and the school system. All elements of the school system should be more responsive to the public; and the public should have adequate opportunity to influence school politics and practices, perhaps through reorganization of school boards and/or creation of advisory boards.

5. The educational program should provide more opportunities for students to identify and develop their individual skills and talents through such programs as smaller classes, creative expression, and expanded supportive services.

6. To achieve economies and efficiency, area school systems should explore regional approaches to such needs as computer usage, central purchasing, and vocational education.

7. The entire area of financing private and public education must be explored.

8. There should be a local and regional plan to achieve a representative mix of children of all races and socio-economic backgrounds throughout area schools to strengthen the entire educational system. The objective of this goal is not to advocate busing or any other particular means of assuring quality education for all children.

9. We must re-examine the educational system, evaluating its effectiveness in preparing people for participation in society. In this regard, a prime goal shall be to turn out students at the end of the twelfth grade who are capable of performing at the certified level of competence, at the same time preserving flexibility in the school system so as to facilitate the optimal development of each individual student.

10. We must support development of The University of Akron and Kent State University, and MEDCO as regional assets of great value to the greater Akron area.

11. Higher education must strengthen its effectiveness in providing the highly trained professionals every community needs. Far more innovation is required, such as professional intern programs, and more joint ventures, such as the MEDCO approach to medical education. Research capabilities should be expanded.

12. There must be greater research and experimentation in teacher training, re-training, and the use of instructional materials and educational techniques.

HEALTH

Every citizen, regardless of economic means, should be afforded a basic level of health care and the means to provide food, clothing and housing. In addition, the Akron area, already blessed with fine hospitals, must offer a full range of health services for its people if it is to fulfill the requirements for being a good place to live and work.

EVERY INDIVIDUAL SHOULD BE AFFORDED PROTECTION FROM DISEASE AND UNSANITARY CONDITIONS WHICH MAY PREVENT ENJOYING A FULL AND MEANINGFUL LIFE IN OUR AREA.

1. Services of existing public and private health agencies should be coordinated or combined to provide more effective health care services by addressing unmet needs and eliminating service duplication or inefficiency.

2. There must be a comprehensive health facilities and services plan that includes an inventory of immediate and long-range health care needs.

3. Where feasible, health services should be provided on a decentralized basis, such as neighborhood clinics or mobile units, to make them more accessible to the elderly, the handicapped, and the poor.

4. Preventive medicine must be emphasized through intensive public education and making the public aware of health services.

5. City and county health departments should be combined.

6. Emergency services, including ambulance service, should be of the highest possible quality and should be coordinated on an area-wide basis. A determination of whether such services should be provided for and funded by public or private sources should be made.

SOCIAL SERVICES

IDEAL GOAL

THE WELFARE AND SOCIAL SERVICE SYSTEMS MUST PROVIDE INDIVIDUALS WITH BASIC LIVING NEEDS WHILE NOT STRIPPING THEM OF DIGNITY AND, WHERE POSSIBLE, INDIVIDUALS SHOULD BE GIVEN THE MEANS AND INCENTIVES TO BECOME SELF-SUPPORTING.

1. Support for social service programs should be generated by fostering community recognition that the need for such programs is a direct effect of affluent competitive society, and that failure to meet such social service needs can lead to crime and other social problems and a lower general standard of living for the entire society.

2. Whenever possible, social services must be decentralized and streamlined so that they are accessible and understandable to the people to be served.

3. Additional supportive services such as counseling must be made available to those persons not receiving social service assistance in order to enable them to remain self-supporting.

4. The accelerating trends toward both single-parent families and families in which both parents are employed has created a serious unmet need to expand the quantity and improve the quality of neighborhood-based child care services for the pre-school and elementary-age child.

Providing the basis for sound residential neighborhoods in the Akron area requires constant replenishing and rehabilitation of its housing stock. The need is for safe, sanitary, and decent housing for all segments of the population.

THE AKRON AREA MUST DEVELOP AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF SOUND HOUSING TO PROVIDE EVERY HOUSEHOLD WITH A CHOICE OF HOUSING TYPES AND LOCATIONS WITHIN ITS MEANS.

1. The Akron area should support the location of housing for low and middle income and elderly persons throughout the area.

2. The public and private sectors should cooperatively develop, fund, and implement an open housing program to insure that all residents have equal access to housing within their means.

3. New residential developments must be consistent with other planning factors for the area, such as sewer and water availability, transportation, and employment opportunities.

4. Residential zoning should be re-examined so as to provide freedom to develop housing of various densities under appropriate conditions. Building codes should be constantly re-evaluated to permit the use of newer building materials and methods.

5. Public and private partnerships should be created to develop moderate-income housing.

6. The Akron area must substantially reduce the number of substandard houses through expanded rehabilitation, code enforcement, and demolition programs.

7. Local financial institutions should be encouraged to finance rehabilitation of local housing, perhaps through a home improvement consortium to ease the financial risk.

8. The Greater Akron area should explore new programs to encourage families to buy and renovate existing housing in older neighborhoods.

For too long, the area has been virtually dependent on the automobile for personal short-range transportation. Passenger train traffic has dwindled and bus transportation still is only a minor means of traveling in the area. It is time to take a new look at transportation needs and seek alternatives to car-choked highways and city streets.

WE MUST PROVIDE SYSTEMS OF TRANSPORTATION THAT ARE EFFICIENT, SAFE, AND CONVENIENT FOR THE MOVEMENT OF ALL PEOPLE AND GOODS THROUGHOUT THE AKRON AREA.

1. METRO bus service should be expanded to provide more viable alternatives to automobile travel.

2. As an alternative to downtown automobile congestion, Akron and METRO should offer fringe parking, with bus service from the parking areas to downtown.

3. Rail systems as an alternative for interurban mass transit and for increased freight traffic must be aggressively pursued.

4. There must be innovations to provide exciting alternatives to car travel, such as bicycle paths, pedestrian walkways, and downtown transportation systems.

5. As an integral part of the balanced area transportation system, Akron-Canton Airport should be developed to continue to meet the area's general and commercial aviation needs.

6. A determination should be made as to whether the municipal airport should be closed and the land put to more profitable use, such as an industrial park, or continue in use as an air facility.

Through area recreation programs and facilities, people are helped to develop interests and skills, release tension, enjoy social interaction, develop area pride, and experience community attractiveness. They are vital ingredients for a well-balanced community.

THE AKRON AREA MUST PROVIDE A FULL RANGE OF RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES RESPONSIVE TO THE TOTAL NEEDS OF A DIVERSE POPULATION.

1. The public and private sectors should coordinate efforts to meet this goal.

2. The present structure of recreation administrations must be reviewed and alternatives considered for providing more effective and coordinated parks and recreation administration.

3. As a key step, there must be a comprehensive inventory of recreational facilities and programs.

4. This inventory should be used as the basis for evaluating the effectiveness of present recreational opportunities, identifying unmet needs, and assessing the additional resources required to meet the needs.

5. There must be a high degree of citizen participation in all levels of recreation, from planning and programming to maintenance, where feasible.

6. Public funding for parks and recreation should be given higher priority, and new sources of revenue should be explored as alternatives to the present inadequate funding system.

7. Every effort must be made to make the proposed Cuyahoga Valley National Park a reality.

8. Special attention within Akron must be focused on innovations which expand present and open new recreational opportunities, such as developing bicycle trails, canal park development, reviving Summit Lake for recreational use, and supporting and improving the Children's Zoo.

9. Park maintenance must be improved markedly and provided on an equal basis throughout area park systems.

10. There should be an active organized effort to promote public awareness and interest in the parks and recreation resources in the Akron area.

Cultural and entertainment activities are vital to improve the quality of life, engender community pride, create well-rounded individuals, continue the education process, and improve the image of the community.

THE AKRON AREA MUST CONTINUE TO DEVELOP AND PROMOTE ITS CULTURAL ASSETS.

SPECIFIC GOALS

1. More people must be made aware of the varied cultural and entertainment attractions already available in the area through a permanent, centralized promotional effort.

2. Downtown Akron should be developed and supported as the region's cultural center, offering a wide variety of cultural and entertainment opportunities clustered in a central area. This will bring new life to the city.

3. The rich heritage of the Akron area must be preserved in its various historical sites.

4. Cultural opportunities should be made more accessible and attractive to all people, particularly youth.

From garbage collection to zoning, the effects of local government are visible to people. For that reason, it must be efficient and effective if citizens are to remain confident in their community.

IDEAL GOAL

LOCAL GOVERNMENT MUST BE RESPONSIVE AND ACCESSIBLE TO ALL ITS CITIZENS, PROVIDING SERVICES EFFICIENTLY AND EFFECTIVELY, AND WITH THE BEST POSSIBLE USE OF TAX DOLLARS.

1. Local governments must disentangle themselves from red tape and open far better channels of communication with the people they serve. The task force should consider such measures as ombudsmen, a central information center, occasional council meetings in neighborhoods, and neighborhood councils.

2. City and county government services should be consolidated wherever it can be demonstrated to be more efficient, effective, and economical.

3. There should be a continuing study and evaluation of possibly more effective forms of local, county, and/or combined governments.

4. Local government should assume a leadership role in providing equal opportunity employment in all levels of government.

5. Local appointed boards and commissions should be reflective of the composition of the community.

PLANNING

The quality of life in the Akron area depends upon the decisions which the community makes. Planning should provide the direction, guidance, and coordination necessary to promote successful development, orderly growth, and a high-quality, healthful, attractive, and satisfying environment.

PLANNING EFFORTS MUST BE AREA-WIDE, COMPREHENSIVE, ATTRACTIVE, AND CONSISTENT WITH COMMUNITY NEEDS AND GOALS, AND STRONGLY SUPPORTED BY THE COMMUNITY.

1. There must be a greater degree of citizen participation in all phases of the planning process, such as through voluntary groups and neighborhood councils.

2. Planning efforts must give full consideration to land planning; planning for services, economic conditions, tax and revenue planning; social planning; environmental, design, and other planning.

3. We support the idea of a comprehensive planning process for the area.

4. The resultant plans must have the commitment of the community particularly governmental officials - to be effective. They must be generally followed.

5. Planning must be people-oriented, based on the human scale. For this reason, the prime focus must be directed at neighborhoods. Long-range planning should give assurance that the character of neighborhoods will not be adversely affected by zoning change, except under specifically delineated conditions.

6. The creation and maintenance of an aesthetically pleasing and physically attractive community should be emphasized in the development and approval of any and all plans for public and private construction, renewal, and rehabilitation.

Contents: Introduction | Columbus Conferees | Resolutions | Racism/Discrimination |  Developmentally Disabled | The Economy | Public Safety | Education | Health and Social Services | Health | Social Services | Housing | Transportation | Recreation | Culture and Entertainment | Local Government | Planning