July 25 Innerbelt public forum
Covered by Documenters Cameron Nelson (see his notes here) and Jenna Eastman (see her notes here)
The Innerbelt restoration project made its first foray into the public eye at an event last week to show off early ideas. The initiative is aimed at transforming the space formerly occupied by the unfinished Innerbelt highway in downtown Akron.
Akron residents are encouraged to participate in the process by filling out a survey that will help shape the future of this area.
On July 25, the city hosted Reimagining the Akron Innerbelt – Meet the Four Finalists Forum at House Three Thirty.
Four urban design firms vying for the chance to transform the decommissioned Innerbelt presented their ideas. .
The city’s original plan was to choose a firm by mid-August — that firm would be tasked with helping to prepare a federal grant application by the original deadline in 2025. The deadline to apply for federal funding was bumped up to September, giving officials less time to prepare.
The four finalists — PORT, Sasaki, Agency and Cooper Carry — each presented their visions and goals for the space at the forum, which is available to watch on Mayor Shammas Malik’s Facebook page.
The finalists’ visions
1. PORT: This group calls themselves a “public realm design and planning consultancy.” They work with public spaces and emphasized capacity, continuity, community and creativity in its presentation.
With offices in Cleveland and other U.S. cities, PORT representatives said their aim is to help Akronites dream big and envision a vibrant future for the Innerbelt area. They involved the community in their research via an audio history featuring Akron residents.
2. Sasaki: With offices in Boston, New York, Denver, Los Angeles and Shanghai, Sasaki focused on showcasing its extensive experience and funding for similar projects.
The firm’s presentation highlighted its ability to bring significant resources to the area for the project, calling attention to its record of obtaining funding and implementing ideas.
3. Agency: This woman-owned, Boston-based small business prioritized trust, opportunity and action in its vision.
Agency’s presentation emphasized its commitment to fostering a community-driven process and said that its role would be as a facilitator between the city and the community.
4. Cooper Carry: With offices in New York, Washington, D.C., and other locations, Cooper Carry stressed the importance of research and community engagement.
The firm’s approach involves a “4R process” of research, reckon + rebirth, reconnect and renew. The team said it practices anti-racist community development and aims to “turn what it was and is into what it can be.”
The Innerbelt project aims to heal neighborhood residents who were displaced when the highway was constructed in the 1970s. Many area businesses and families were affected, particularly Black-owned businesses and members of the community.
Attendees talk about future of Innerbelt
During the forum, attendees expressed their desires and concerns for the future of the Innerbelt area.
There is a strong sentiment that the land should be returned to former community members. The desire for big-box retail, industrial use, more office towers and high-end housing was notably absent from residents’ wishes.
Instead, the focus was on creating a space that reflects shared values and promotes access and equitable outcomes for those living and working in the area.
The forum allowed the opportunity for engagement and discussion, with each firm given at least 15 minutes to present their ideas, followed by a Q&A session.
Residents mingled with the finalists, providing feedback and expressing their hopes for the project.
Akron acknowledges negative impact of Innerbelt
In the city’s Reconnecting Our Community – Phase 1 Report, the initial two years of work aimed at addressing the legacy of Akron’s Innerbelt are documented.
The report acknowledges the profound impacts of the Innerbelt highway’s construction on dividing neighborhoods and displacing a vibrant, predominantly Black community.
The initial highway construction project destroyed more than 700 homes, 100 businesses and many places of worship.
The Reconnecting Our Community initiative involved extensive community engagement to gather preferences for the site’s redevelopment, culminating in two significant milestones: the launch of the Innerbelt History Collection and the award of a Reconnecting Communities grant by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
The report emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing the community’s grief and the historical harm caused by the Innerbelt.
The initiative proposes short-term actions, such as interim-use strategies and engagement frameworks. It also uses long-term visions such as the establishment of an African-American Cultural District and sustainable urban planning.
