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1. Location
2. Statement of Development Objectives
3. Types of Proposed Renewal Actions
4. Land Use Plan
5. Project Proposals
6. Other Provisions

1. Location of the East Market Street/Irene Avenue Urban Renewal Area
   
   The East Market Street/Irene Avenue Urban Renewal Area is located in the City of Akron, County of Summit, State of Ohio, and is bounded as described below. The Renewal Area consists of approximately 17 acres situated approximately 2 miles southeast of downtown Akron and generally bounded by Mary Street on the north, Elm Drive on the east, East Market Street on the south and Kelly Avenue on the west.
   
   Beginning at the east right-of-way line of Kelly Avenue and the north right-of-way line of East Market Street.
   
   Thence east along the north right-of-way line of East Market Street approximately 1,496.50 feet to a point being the intersection of the north right-of-way line of East Market Street and the west right-of-way line of Elm Drive.
   
   Thence north along the west right-of-way line of Elm Drive 150 feet to a point being the intersection of a property line.
   
   Thence west along said property line and an extension thereof approximately 739 feet to a point being the intersection of the west right-of-way line of North Johns Avenue.
   
   Thence north along the west right-of-way line of North Johns Avenue and west along the south right-of-way line of Mary Avenue approximately 1,205 feet to a point being the intersection of the south right-of-way line of Mary Avenue and the east right-of-way line of Kelly Avenue.
   
   Thence south along the east right-of-way line of Kelly Avenue approximately 572 feet to the place of beginning.

2. Statement of Development Objectives to be Achieved by the Project
   
   The goals of the City of Akron in undertaking the project are: 1) to eliminate blight and to prevent the recurrence of blight in the project area; 2) to facilitate the expansion of the car dealership in the project area in order to maintain existing jobs, create new jobs, and increase economic activity; 3) increase the attractiveness of the project area.
   
   To carry out project goals, the following specific objectives are proposed:

   1. Land Use Objective
      Enhance the viability of the East Market Street/Irene Avenue Urban Renewal Area by encouraging compatible land use relationships within the project area and removing incompatible land uses;
      1. Remove blighted properties within the project area which are deteriorated, or a threat to the public health, safety and general welfare.
      2. Provide a suitable area for the expansion of the Ganley Toyota and Mercedes Benz Dealership.
      3. Prohibit incompatible uses from locating in the project area and promote harmonious land use relationships between properties.
      4. Evaluate the potential vacation of Irene Avenue to facilitate the expansion of the retail/commercial corridor along East Market Street.
   2. Environmental Objective
      Develop an attractive and visually improved environment within the Renewal Area:
      1. Remove properties which are poorly maintained or deteriorated, attract nuisance activities and are detrimental to the health, safety and welfare of the general public and persons who pass through the area.
      2. Implement redevelopment which will prevent blighted conditions from recurring which are harmful to persons within, adjacent to, and who pass through the renewal area.
      3. Develop attractive, well-landscaped and lighted facilities which improve the appearance of the East Market Street/Irene Avenue area.
      4. Evaluate the potential vacation of Irene Avenue to eliminate conflicts associated with the street and facilitate well-designed retail/commercial development along East Market Street.
   3. Public Improvements Objective
      Upgrade the infrastructure within the project area to provide streets and walks that are suitable for existing uses while facilitating the expansion of area businesses or institutions.
      1. Evaluate the potential vacation of Irene Avenue to eliminate conflicts associated with the street and facilitate the expansion of the retail/commercial development along East Market Street.
   4. Circulation and Parking
      Reduce conflicts among all forms of circulation routes, including pedestrian, vehicular, school and commercial traffic:
      1. Evaluate the vacation of Irene Avenue and the redesign of vehicular access routes to Goodyear Middle School by providing access and egress off of North Johns Avenue.
      2. Provide suitable sites to ensure well-designed parking for retail/commercial establishments.
      3. Improve parking conditions at Goodyear Middle School, in terms of both function and aesthetics.
      4. Redesign pedestrian walkways to facilitate safe and convenient pedestrian access to Goodyear Middle School.
   5. Economic Objective
      Facilitate the expansion of the Ganley Toyota and Mercedes Benz dealership to help stimulate the local economy:
      1. Remove blighting conditions and thereby encourage investor confidence in the East Market Street/Irene Avenue area.
      2. Encourage significant private reinvestment by property owners in the project area.

      3. Provide for redevelopment which will provide new jobs for Akron area residents.

3. Types of Proposed Renewal Actions
   
   Proposed renewal actions to be carried out by the City following adoption of the renewal plan may include acquisition and clearance of property, the sale or lease of land for redevelopment, construction of supporting infrastructure, vacation of streets and other rights of way and additional actions to support new commercial, retail or office activity. Redevelopment sites controlled by the City are to be acquired by agreements with the City setting forth permitted uses, use restrictions and development requirements. The sale or lease of City owned property, and the terms of the associated development agreements, requires review by the City Planning Commission and the approval of Akron City Council.

4. Land Use Plan

   1. Permitted Land Uses
      In order to achieve the objectives of this Urban Renewal Plan, the permitted land uses within the East Market Street/Irene Avenue Urban Renewal Plan shall correspond with the proposed zoning for the area as depicted in Map E. These uses shall include all uses permitted under 153.106 (UG Government Use District) and 153.108 (U4 Commercial) of the Akron Zoning Code.
   2. Zoning
      1. Existing Zoning Map
         The existing zoning for the East Market Street/Irene Avenue Urban Renewal Area is divided between Commercial (U4, H1, A1) and Government Use (UG, H1, A1). Map C indicates existing zoning.
      2. Proposed Zoning
         It is proposed that a portion of the area currently zoned Government Use (UG, H1, A1) be rezoned Commercial (U4, H1, A1) as found in Chapter 153.108 of the Akron Zoning Code and as indicated on Map E.
   3. Additional Development Standards and Regulations
      All site, building and signage plans shall be reviewed by the Urban Design and Historic Preservation Commission (UDHPC) and require approval from the City Planning Commission.
      
      In addition to complying with the development standards and regulations set forth in the Akron Zoning Code, new development in the East Market Street/Irene Avenue Urban Renewal Area shall comply with the following:
      1. Parking Facilities
         The design, layout and access to off-street parking shall be reviewed and approved. All parking and service areas shall be paved with a hard surface material, curbed and landscape screened.
      2. Outdoor Advertising Displays
         No billboards or outdoor advertising displays of any nature shall be placed, erected or located in the East Market Street/Irene Avenue Urban Renewal Area.
      3. On-Premise Exterior Signs
         The following guidelines apply to all exterior signage in the East Market Street/Irene Avenue Urban Renewal Area:
         1. Building mounted signage shall be for business identification only.
         2. Pole signs are prohibited.
         3. Ground mounted signs shall be for one business only. If multiple businesses are on site, the sign shall be for project identification only.
         4. All signage materials shall be compatible with building materials and colors.
         5. Mechanically moving signage or flashing lights shall be prohibited.
         6. A sign may not project above the roof of a structure to which it is affixed.
         7. Any new signs or replacement of existing signs shall be reviewed by the Urban Design and Historic & Preservation Commission and receive the approval of the Akron City Planning Commission.
      4. Utilities
         All private and public utilities will be placed underground.
      5. Building Design
         Construction of any new buildings within the East Market Street/Irene Avenue Urban Renewal Area shall be reviewed by the Urban Design and Historic Preservation Commission and receive the approval of the Akron City Planning Commission.
      6. Building Materials
         The majority of the building materials shall be split face block or brick masonry, and shall be subject to approval by the City of Akron's Department of Planning and Urban Development.
      7. Positioning of Primary Buildings
         Site plans shall be subject to approval by the City of Akron's Department of Planning and Urban Development. Building service/storage areas should not be visible from public streets.
      8. On Site Trash Storage
         On site trash materials shall be stored in a structure or in structures that match the materials of the primary buildings.
      9. Access
         Vehicular ingress and egress to buildings and parking areas shall be approved by the City Traffic Engineer. Multiple buildings should be served by a common access point.
      10. Landscaping
          All new development plans shall include a landscape plan, which shall be subject to approval by the City of Akron's Department of Planning and Urban Development. Existing parking areas shall be landscape screened to be consistent with new development.
      11. Exterior Lighting
          All public exterior areas shall be well lighted in a manner suitable for the intended use. Lighting should be adequate for the intended use, but should be sited and of such a nature as to not be intrusive into surrounding areas.
      12. Storm Water Management
          The developer shall submit a storm water management plan to control the run-off, siltation and sedimentation during construction and to control the run-off after the development is completed. The plan is to be consistent with all the requirements of Section 192.101-.114 of the Code of Ordinances and is to be subject to the approval of the Bureau of Engineering and submitted prior to the issuance of any building permits.
          
          Existing businesses in the East Market Street/Irene Avenue Renewal Area which do not meet the minimum development standards as outlined in the Akron Zoning code will not be required to retroactively comply to those standards. However, there are some design objectives which will be sought voluntarily to improve the environment of the East Market Street/Irene Avenue Area.
          
          The voluntary design objectives are:
          1. Upgrade existing buildings in design and exterior building materials with special emphasis on the appearance of the main business entrances.
          2. Upgrade on-premise exterior signs.
          3. Provide landscaping in all appropriate locations, particularly in and around parking areas, along the building or screening line and between curbs and sidewalks.

          4. Screen exterior storage areas from public view.

5. Project Proposals
   1. Land Acquisition
      1. Identification of Real Property Proposed to be Acquired
         Real property to be acquired to meet development objectives is identified in Exhibit 7 and Map F, Proposed Acquisitions.
      2. Conditions under which Properties Not Identified to be Acquired may be Acquired
         Properties which are severely deteriorated (substandard or major deterioration) may be acquired in order to remove conditions of blight which constitute a threat to health, safety and welfare in the area. Structures which are not substandard or in a state of major deterioration, may be acquired when they are necessary for public improvements, or when their acquisition is necessary in order to carry out the development goals of the plan, and to permit proper and orderly development in the project area.
      3. Conditions under which Properties Identified to be Acquired may not be Acquired.
         As properties are identified for acquisition, such properties may not be acquired if it is determined that an acceptable alternative will achieve the objectives of the Plan.
   2. Rehabilitation and Conservation
      There are no structures designated for rehabilitation. Rehabilitation of buildings and properties may be undertaken if determined to further the objectives of the Plan.
   3. Redeveloper's Obligations
      Redevelopment within the East Market Street/Irene Avenue Urban Renewal Area on land to be acquired by the City, shall be restricted by a Lease Agreement or Redevelopment Agreement executed by the City and the Redeveloper. The Lease Agreement or Redevelopment Agreement and project reviews and approval shall apply to all of the Redeveloper's contiguous property within the urban renewal area. The Lease Agreement or Redevelopment Agreement shall include the following provisions:
      1. The Redeveloper shall submit preliminary site plans and building plans to the City of Akron, Department of Planning and Urban Development for review. The Urban Design and Historic Preservation Commission and the Planning Commission shall approve site plans, building materials and building elevations prior to commencement of construction to assure compliance with the Renewal Plan. It is expressly understood that approval of any plans by the City of Akron applies to any and all features shown thereon; and that any subsequent additions, deletions, or other modifications thereof are required to be submitted by the developer before construction of such modifications can begin.
      2. The Redeveloper shall commence rehabilitation or new construction on land acquired by the City and conveyed to the Redeveloper within 12 months after conveyance.
      3. The Redeveloper shall agree that no covenant, agreement, lease conveyance or other instrument relating to the property shall be effected or executed on the basis or race, creed, color, sex or national origin in the sale, lease, use or occupancy thereof.

      4. The Redeveloper shall maintain the structure and facilities in accordance with all codes and ordinances of the City of Akron.

6. Other Provisions
   1. Relationship to Local Objectives
      The Urban Renewal Plan proposals are based on planning objectives for the City of Akron as expressed in the General Plan and Workable Program of the City of Akron. The Urban Renewal Plan provides for the redevelopment of the project area in a manner which will promote the public health, safety, morals and welfare.
      
      The acquisition and elimination of blighted conditions and the prevention of recurrence of blight will benefit the general public and the business and property owners adjacent to the East Market Street/Irene Avenue Urban Renewal Area.
      
      The land use proposals of the plan will provide for development of commercial/retail facilities and parking.
   2. Relocation Plan
      Should action by the City result in displacement of any residents or businesses, the relocation of displaced individuals or families will be carried out in conformance with the City of Akron Relocation Plan and Activity Program.
   3. Duration of the Renewal Plan Restrictions
      The Renewal Plan and/or modification thereof shall be in force and effect for a period of 40 years from the date of approval of this Renewal Plan by the City of Akron. The termination of this Renewal Plan shall in no way permit the project land or any part thereof to be restricted on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, or national origin in the sale, use, or occupancy thereof; nor shall it permit the practice of discrimination based on race, creed, color, sex, or national origin.
   4. Provisions for Amending Approved Plan
      This Renewal Plan may be amended from time to time upon approval by the City Planning Commission and City Council.