Akron's Innerbelt Revitalization: A New Era Begins with Sasaki

Exciting changes are on the horizon for Akron as the city has officially selected the renowned planning firm Sasaki to lead the next phase of the Akron Innerbelt project. This decision comes on the heels of a community engagement event held in July, where residents actively participated in shaping the future of their city.

The Community Speaks: Choosing Sasaki

During the event at House Three Thirty, residents had the chance to hear from four finalists and provide their feedback. The selection of Sasaki was largely influenced by their impressive experience and commitment to community involvement. Mayor Malik expressed confidence that Sasaki understands the historical context of the Innerbelt and its impact on local neighborhoods.

What Makes Sasaki Stand Out?

• Global Expertise: Sasaki has a track record of transforming urban spaces worldwide, including notable projects like the Healthline BRT and the Chicago Riverwalk.
• Community-Centric Approach: The firm is dedicated to involving local stakeholders in the design process, ensuring that the new developments reflect the needs and desires of Akron's residents.
• Local Partnerships: Sasaki's team includes local firms such as City Architecture and ThirdSpace Action Lab, reinforcing their commitment to community engagement.

Healing Historical Wounds

The Innerbelt has long been a contentious issue in Akron, symbolizing the scars left by past urban renewal efforts. Mayor Malik emphasized the importance of this project in healing those wounds and revitalizing the community:

“The Innerbelt created a scar on the face of our community, and as we take the next steps to determine the future of this area, we can hopefully begin to heal that wound and repair what was damaged.”

What’s Next for Akron?

As Sasaki embarks on this project, their goal is to transform the Innerbelt from a symbol of division into a catalyst for unity and opportunity for all Akron residents. Siqi Zhu, an associate principal at Sasaki, stated:

“This is an opportunity to confront the racist legacies of urban renewal, reconnect divided communities, and create equitable access to new opportunities for all Akronites.”

The commitment to ensuring community input will be pivotal as the design process unfolds. Residents can expect frequent engagement opportunities to voice their thoughts and ideas as the vision for the Innerbelt takes shape.

Join the Conversation!

As Akron moves forward with this transformative project, there are tough questions to consider. What do you think about the direction of the Innerbelt? Here are some questions to ponder:

• Will the new design truly address the historical injustices faced by neighborhoods affected by the Innerbelt?
• How can the city ensure that the community's voices are not just heard, but prioritized in the planning process?
• Is it possible to balance modernization with the preservation of Akron's unique cultural heritage?
• What role should public input play in urban planning, especially in historically marginalized communities?

Your thoughts matter! Engage with us and share your opinions on this exciting new chapter for Akron.