The vibrant neighborhood of Highland Square in Akron, Ohio, is on the cusp of a significant transformation. Recent incidents of violence have sparked a collective response from property and business owners, leading to the establishment of a Special Improvement District (SID). This initiative, which recently received a major boost from the Akron City Council, aims to enhance safety and beautification in the area.
The heart of this effort lies in the collaboration between local stakeholders. Abraham Nabors, owner of Mustard Seed Market & Café and a key figure in the SID, emphasizes the importance of community unity. “It really has taken a community effort to step up and band together,” Nabors stated, highlighting the collective spirit driving the project.
The Path to Enhanced Safety and Beautification
On Monday, July 20, the Akron City Council approved a petition to establish an annual assessment of $100,000 for the Highland Square SID. This funding will be used over the next three years to implement various safety and beautification measures. Councilperson Fran Wilson, a strong advocate for the project, expressed her pride in reaching this milestone. “It is a privilege and an honor for us to be able to really finally cross the finish line of a decades-long project to get a special assessment in place,” Wilson said.
The assessment will be paid by property owners along West Market Street’s business district, in addition to their regular property taxes. The amount each property owner pays will be based on the frontage of their property along the district. For instance, Highland Square Economic Development LLC, which owns the building housing Mustard Seed Market & Café, will pay $12,570 annually, calculated at $40.42 per foot of frontage.
Safety Measures and Beautification Plans
The SID’s safety plan includes several key initiatives. Private security patrols will be contracted, particularly on weekend nights, to ensure a safer environment. The plan also involves coordinating with the city and the Akron Police Department for enhanced patrols and exploring investments in district cameras and lighting. Additionally, a plan for safe, accessible, and free/paid parking for both day and night hours is being developed.
Beautification efforts are equally important. The plan encourages the development of visually appealing, user-friendly public spaces and supports neighborhood cleanups, including snow and ice removal. Funding will also be allocated for murals, banners, and even a district sound system for ambient music. “We want to make sure that every single penny is used well and not wasted, and that everything brings positive value to the district and the property,” Wilson emphasized.
A Community’s Commitment to Progress
While the majority of property owners support the SID, there have been some concerns about the additional tax burden. Nabors acknowledges these concerns but argues that the benefits outweigh the costs. “There’s been property owners that have been negative on wanting to pay an additional tax for any reason, which I understand. Costs are going up in a lot of different areas right now, but my very simple argument is that what I call the unsafe tax dwarfs a SID tax,” Nabors explained.
Despite these challenges, the community remains committed to the project. The SID board, led by Nabors, has already started implementing changes, and with the additional funding, they hope to make even more significant improvements. The goal is to create a safer, more attractive, and vibrant Highland Square that benefits everyone in the community.
The journey to transform Highland Square is well underway, driven by the collective efforts of its residents and business owners. With the support of the Akron City Council and the community’s unwavering dedication, the future of Highland Square looks brighter than ever.
