EAST LIVERPOOL — A group of approximately 25 business, government and civic leaders gathered at the Alumni Association Wednesday evening to learn more about the Kent State East Liverpool Campus Master Plan Project.
Headed by EG&G president John Grossman and project manager Rod Garrison, the six-month planning project began in mid-September with the goal of creating a “university district” in downtown East Liverpool. At this point, the area of primary concern is bordered by Washington, College and Fifth streets down to the route 30/39 highway overpass—an area that includes over ten institutions and businesses.
According to Grossman, Kent State East Liverpool is the only KSU regional campus that does not already have a master plan. Developing the plan is a four-step process, which includes Wednesday’s presentation and input from the public. By February, EG&G will have a plan for integrating the area and improving parking, pedestrian access and the entire campus neighborhood.
After a brief Powerpoint presentation, members from our community were given time to voice their opinions on what they think will make this master plan work. More and better parking was a common theme, as was more pedestrian-friendly intersections. Mayor Jim Swoger proposed a two-story parking garage across from the Main Building at the corner of Broadway and East Fourth streets.
Joan Witt, vice-president of the East Liverpool Historical Society, suggested placing signs around campus to direct out-of-town visitors to the many institutions located near Kent State.
Downtown businessman and KSU public relations manager David Hamilton said he would like to see residential housing and single-family homes made available for faculty wishing to live closer to campus. Grossman welcomed this idea, adding the potential for dorms located on campus for commuters attending Kent State.
Responding to comments about the dilapidated Smith Auto building at Fourth and Broadway, East Liverpool Safety Service Director Bill Cowan said the eyesore soon will be condemned by the city.
Over the next couple of months, several other community meetings will take place to keep everyone informed of the progress being made. The EG&G master-plan project is funded by Kent State University.
