AKRON, Ohio — Editor's note: Video at the top of this story was originally published in a previous Lock 3 story on Jan. 18, 2022.
A redesign of Akron’s Lock 3 venue is expected to begin this fall “in order to create a more accessible, engaging space for Akron residents and visitors to enjoy.”
This redesign is just one of many elements highlighted by Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan’s office after City Council passed the 2022 capital budget on Monday.
“The 2022 capital budget reflects $366.8 million in new investment in our infrastructure, neighborhoods, public safety forces and public facilities that will enhance safety, transportation, housing and quality of life and set the stage for recovery and future growth,” Mayor Horrigan said in a press release Tuesday morning. “By efficiently leveraging local, state and federal funds including the historic infusion of American Rescue Plan Act monies, we will be able to focus on recovery and revitalization in Akron in 2022.”
Mayor Horrigan’s office said the budget includes $167.3 million in state funding and $74 million in federal dollars. Local funds of $111.9 million include $15 million expected to be generated this year by the Safety and Streets income tax passed in 2017.
Other highlights of the Akron capital budget include as listed by Mayor Horrigan’s office include:
Largest commitment to parks and community centers at $25 million, utilizing federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Projects include:
- Design and renovation of new pools and locker rooms at Perkins Pool and Reservoir Pool.
- Renovation of Patterson Park, Ed Davis, and Reservoir Park Community Centers.
Implementation of the Lock 3 and Summit Lake Vision Plans, created with the support of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, as part of Akron Civic Commons:
- Redesign of Lock 3 according to the Lock 3 Vision Plan to begin Fall 2022 in order to create a more accessible, engaging space for Akron residents and visitors to enjoy.
- $4 million of new public-space infrastructure investments around Summit Lake, which is part of the $10M total investment. Phase 1 includes construction of the Ohio and Erie Canal Summit Lake Trail set to begin this Spring, followed by final design of the North Shore Activity Area.
Other elements of the capital budget plan:
- $4 million of new public-space infrastructure investments around Summit Lake which is part of the $10M total investment. Phase 1 includes construction of the Ohio and Erie Canal Summit Lake Trail set to begin this Spring, followed by final design of the North Shore Activity Area.
- Replacement of approximately 600 of the City’s 2,900 remaining lead service lines throughout the City, to further advance the City’s longstanding and successful commitment to safe drinking water, utilizing state grant funds.
- $2.2 million in homelessness prevention and housing assistance for the most at-risk Akronites, along with over $1.8 million in assistance to emergency shelters to address urgent needs.
- Utility Plumbing Repairs - $500,000 – ARPA funding will offer assistance to qualifying customers with minor plumbing problems and fixtures that may cause water waste and higher water bills
- $ 5.1 million invested into updated equipment for Public Service and Public Safety – includes police academy/training and SWAT gear, 21 police vehicles, new service vehicles/equipment including dump trucks, construction equipment, and other support vehicles, Ladder 9 and Engine 7 fire trucks, and beginning construction of Fire Station 12.
- $200,000 for traffic calming devices utilizing various speed enforcement methods.
- Neighborhood Revitalization & Sustainability - $3 million - Grants and loans for qualified homeowners toward housing rehabilitation, using ARPA funds.