Mayor Horrigan Announces New Great Streets District on South Arlington St.
Newest addition makes 13 Great Streets Districts throughout Akron
City of Akron Press Release
From the desk of City of Akron Press Office
Published: 12-15-2021
Akron, Ohio, December 15, 2021 — Recently, Mayor Horrigan announced the addition of Akron’s newest Great Streets district -- South Arlington from 4th Ave. to Maywood Ave. The Great Streets initiative began in 2018 and is designed to enhance, grow, and connect Akron’s business districts while empowering the unique, local culture that makes them the “hubs” of our neighborhoods. The programs and resources support business and property owners in these districts to promote increased business development and retention, greater community engagement, safer neighborhoods, improved transportation conditions, and enhanced aesthetics, urban design and public space. To learn more about the Great Streets Initiative accomplishments and key program highlights please click here.
"Since the Great Streets Akron program began, we've awarded over $2.6 million in grants to over 125 businesses,” said Mayor Dan Horrigan. "We've also celebrated the opening of 65 new businesses in these districts. Through the Great Streets program, we have been incredibly successful at reinvigorating these commercial districts by partnering with the organizations embedded in these communities. I'm excited to welcome the South Arlington corridor into the program to create more opportunity in this important neighborhood."
Mark Greer, the City’s Great Streets Administrator said, “2021 has been an impactful year for our Great Streets Initiative, with the addition of a new Neighborhood Business District on South Arlington Street at the top of the list of the most impactful measures we’ve taken. We’re excited to get to work on this important business corridor as we continue our mission to revitalize communities throughout the City. East Akron is a community rich with tradition and pride, and the opportunity to tangibly impact this area is one we welcome, and don’t take lightly. From providing assistance to business owners, improving the streetscape and urban design of the corridor, enhancing public space, working to fill vacant storefronts, and partnering with community organizations to bring lasting change, we’re ready to roll up our sleeves and give this new Great Street district the commitment and support it deserves.”
Business owners in the new district can apply for a Great Streets Matching Façade Improvement Grant on the Great Streets Akron website at www.greatstreetsakron.com. Eligible items for this grant include façade renovation, brick and masonry cleaning, installation of new doors and windows, signage improvements, outdoor lighting, painting, outdoor security cameras, roofing, paving and landscaping of on-site parking areas and architectural fees. Applications can be submitted online or applicants can download and print a pdf application. The application period is rolling and businesses can apply at any time.
For more information, please contact Mark Greer, Great Streets Administrator, at [email protected].
For further information, contact:
City of Akron Press Office
Phone: 330-375-2754
E-mail: [email protected]
