Streetscape suggestions for Main Street to develop into a plan for spring implementation
Akron Village Board members are expected to review a preliminary streetscape plan for an ADA sidewalk, aprons, and crosswalks project on Main Street presented in October of 2020 with an eye toward finalizing a plan to be implemented this Spring.
The suggested streetscape ideas were presented by Alison Koopman, a landscape architect and Village of Akron resident, following a request from the Board to take a look at what they could do to improve the business district for pedestrians.
Stated Design Objectives were:
Greening – Maximize vegetation and color; Maintain trees where appropriate; include plantings that are low maintenance and salt tolerant.
Koopman suggested increased vegetation in areas where there are currently trees. She recommended removing the tree grates and extending where possible those areas with ground cover. She also noted there may need to be removal and replacement of some of the trees, and just removal of others, depending on condition and location of the tree.
Identity and Placemaking – Maintain the traditional small-business character while providing an updated and unified corridor establish a consistent palette of streetscape furnishings to help create a sense of place; Include high-quality, movable furnishings to allow for winter snowplowing.
Visibility – Promote business development by maximizing visibility of commercial establishments.
Impact and Arrival – Create a sense of arrival by enhancing gateway intersections; incorporate identity markers, signage, and architectural elements which “brand” the Village.
Koopman recommended a pinch point at the west end of Main which develops a “sense of arrival” with vegetation and flowers as well as possibly a monument. “It reenforces that you have come to a place that is a little different,” Koopman told the board. Part of that recommendation included a crosswalk away from the intersection, yet within the footprint of the front of the library. Standardized furniture and planters along Main Street and uniformity at intersections is included in the preliminary proposal. She also recommended that any tree directly in line with the primary entrance of a business be removed.
Board members set aside work session time at 6 p.m. on January 25 to review the 33 pages of suggestions and to develop a plan the Public Works Department can begin when weather allows this spring.
The handicapped sidewalks and aprons in the business district are being funded through a Community Development Block Grant. The project was the Village’s first priority project in last year’s funding application.
Retirement recognized
Board members recognized with appreciation the work of Village Treasurer Tammy Kelley who will retire after 35 years with the Village at the end of next week. The January 4 meeting was her last in that capacity. (See feature story in the Akron Bugle next week)
Building permits
Building permits were approved for Garage addition/windows, 72 Parkview Drive; Repair porches, 39 Eckerson Ave.; Interior drainage 6 Crescent Drive.
Dumpster permits
A temporary dumpster permit was approved for 11 Pearl Pl.
Dumpster permit renewals were approved for: 58 Main St., 20 Mechanic St., 113 Cedar St , Westgate Ave., 81 Buell St., 43 Jackson St., 32-42 Westgate Ave., 18 Newton Ave., 8 Indianola Ave.; 1 Ice Cream Plaza, 12975 Clarence Ctr. Rd.
Plumbers License
Board members approved plumber’s license renewals for:
Michael Dollendorf, Tonawanda, NY; Dan Loudenslager, Clarence, NY; Joel Tucciarone, Tonawanda, NY; David Muskopf Jr., Cheektowaga, NY; Dennis Greene, Lancaster, NY; Leonard Schie, Clarence, NY; Dean Smith, Lancaster, NY; Timothy Harris, Clarence Ctr, NY; Sean Harris, Clarence Ctr, NY; Joseph Castle , Lockport, NY; David Twardowski, Lancaster, NY; Daniel Greene, Lancaster, NY; Gary Flanders, Tonawanda, NY; James H. Frey, Clarence Ctr, NY; Harold K. Frey; Clarence Ctr, NY; William Penepent , Basom, NY; Anthony Cellino, Elma, NY; Gregory Zakrzewski, Gasport, NY; Charles Douglas Lett, Lancaster, NY; Bradley Rehwaldt, Akron, NY; Joseph Marchitte, West Seneca, NY; Christopher Cook, Basom, NY; Sam Hazlett, Hamburg, NY; Nathaniel Price, Corfu, NY; Richard Petschke, Alden, NY; Sean Towlson, Lockport, NY: Rodney Mastrosimone, Rochester, NY; James Lovegrove, Williamsville, NY; and Ricky Hale, Batavia, NY.
Thank You
Board members received a letter from the Akron Lioness Organization, Akron Chamber of Commerce and Light Up Akron Committee of 2020 thanking the Village of Akron Board, DPW, Police Department and the Emergency Response Coordinator for all the help with this year’s event.
They also received a “Thank you” card from Planning Board Member Mary Jane Shonn noting the stipend she received for that work will be donated to the Akron-Newstead Food Pantry.
Mayor Carl Patterson expressed appreciation for all Village Employees for their efforts during 2020 to keep everyone safe while maintaining high level services and to Village residents for their patience and efforts to keep everyone safe during a challenging year.