[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6242363,"mediaKeyId","3247818-75957df1e83c806025ade486b3aa7d5a","parentId",3247818,"title","Main Street Kent reports expanded events, visitor metrics and volunteer engagement for 2024; staff says new data tools will aid planning","audioSeconds",455,"startMs",4838000,"endMs",5293000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3247818-75957df1e83c806025ade486b3aa7d5a&start=4838&end=5293","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3247818-75957df1e83c806025ade486b3aa7d5a/thumbnail_4838000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6242363/Ohio/Main-Street-Kent-reports-expanded-events-visitor-metrics-and-volunteer-engagement-for-2024-staff-says-new-data-tools-will-aid-planning","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6242363-541a90df7a6da666463a6ed8632ed733/orig.mp4?Expires=1771164082&Signature=SZBlCIsZnrtSEnIUIU5QfqOQvEng4mKAQe~2IZ55Fp-N1hfLlV9wiy-Wh7ADd94fjZjmd-zFljRMfrD~cEwNbx6ztZ4-9n6BK~VxuJvKIc6CceodpKYhixS~mi5eNisOurgdjJxQ47MReotgLDPoKwm1YNbbSlPnDTLMtLNR8yzgw6o87J4kl99QpMcuZ0hklULoi6Vq-q3NRvK0NOpoTJMN9Z0eWWCxVZbMZ-CbXw~c4JQKOr8efl8SDDZAMqT9nhfrWM2U8E9mf4cKUrNTJ1g~bqKPB6aftIJ2f1NOj2qwe1Q1psHTj3ML-2Ivb7TJPJor4zZwBwQo~s0OHXTFzA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Kent, OH ","date","2025-05-08T01:04:29Z","article","Heather Malarjic, executive director of Main Street Kent, gave council an overview of the organization’s 2024 activities, marketing metrics and planned 2025 events, emphasizing an expanded volunteer program and new data tools to measure visitor flows.

Key metrics and programs
- Web and social: Main Street Kent reported 328,000 unique website visitors and 748,000 page views for the prior year and more than 24,000 combined followers across social platforms.
- Events and participation: New and recurring events include the Coffee Walk, Chocolate Walk, Crafty Crawl, Art & Wine Festival (June 7), the Kendora path passport program and Wizardry-themed weekend. The Art & Wine event will partner with the Ben Curtis Family Foundation for family elements.
- Volunteers: Main Street said it engages 200–300 volunteers annually and recorded more than 3,000 volunteer hours in 2024; the organization estimated the volunteer-hour value at roughly $95,000.
- Data tools: Main Street described a subscription to Placer AI, which aggregates anonymized cell‑phone location data; staff said the platform reported about 30,000 people in Kent for Heritage Fest last year and can help plan event timing, placements and sponsorships.

Quotes and rationale
“Our mission is continuing the preservation and revitalization of Downtown Kent, making it a fun, vibrant, and thriving community,” Malarjic said in presenting the report. She said the organization will use new visitor data and promotional campaigns (DORA passport, Kendora path) to encourage visitors to explore beyond Franklin Avenue.

Council response
Council members praised Main Street’s volunteer recruitment, event diversity and new data tools. Members asked staff to continue coordination with the city on marketing, wayfinding and joint promotions to distribute visitors across downtown.

Next steps
Main Street confirmed scheduled signature events for spring through fall and said it will continue to share visitor data and program outcomes with city staff.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Kent, Ohio May 7, 2025 Special Joint Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Main Street Kent presented its 2024 program report, citing high web traffic, volunteer hours, and use of Placer AI visitor data; the nonprofit previewed summer events and new marketing approaches to boost foot traffic across downtown.","taxTitle","Kent City Council, Kent City, Portage County, Ohio","taxId",69172,"location","Ohio","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6242368,"Council reviews proposed zoning text amendments; planning commission endorsed measures and designers urge refinement",1341,7463000,8804000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3247818-75957df1e83c806025ade486b3aa7d5a&start=7463&end=8804","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3247818-75957df1e83c806025ade486b3aa7d5a/thumbnail_7463000.jpg","/articles/6242368/Ohio/Council-reviews-proposed-zoning-text-amendments-planning-commission-endorsed-measures-and-designers-urge-refinement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6242368-c347ee05b1beb9ad45b03000fc3be6e8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771164082&Signature=b~JdAx2qrPdWvoO9tub8ws3U557iMgjicbamUXR98s0ETRU8teS~uz~fDEf7JzyGDkdRiMDC5FN993VAYfbsQoMtHdGXOKOpp6Aakr5-6chMiZa6ILmyJcHHJwl6eS~346YJ4a3Kph9duGDCpV3YILYyxSVHwYnKJaRZVAJsjaoYbPwhYBmcfs8mJsIXDe2SEzQXjOr~zhEojUUke6rVEqsOJ8kycEiDf7u6j~koSaPQ6tDS5lOSh9A8bMIBGA6sC6xfPGJF8Wimq3SPoBiov-1ophnhGayXmvjaYMnu0mn7139fP~pTi-ahLTihMY-DnifFYoAEOXIlsuIwwhYdOg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Council heard a detailed presentation on proposed text amendments to the City of Kent zoning code intended to translate parts of the city’s recently drafted design guidelines into enforceable standards for downtown and other districts.

Planning commission recommendation and scope
Administration told council the planning commission voted unanimously to support the proposed text changes, which address subordinate structures (previously labeled accessory buildings), fence heights in industrial districts, abandoned lighting bases, and a range of measurable design items for building facades and storefronts.

Public comment and professional feedback
Architect and long-time downtown resident Doug Fuller urged council to slow the codification process and involve the public and building owners more closely, saying in part, “If you don't understand it, then it shouldn't be in a codified ordinance.”

Architect and council member Bridget Tipton, speaking as a local practicing architect, recommended targeted clarifications before adoption. Tipton said some proposed requirements would be difficult to enforce or counterproductive — for example, an item that would require a 1-foot projection at façade seams and another that specifies window height-to-width relationships. She told council these items need clearer definitions or removal so they do not unintentionally force poor design outcomes.

Administration response and next steps
Administration acknowledged the concerns and said the draft can be refined. Staff requested guidance from council on codifying color controls — whether to leave color decisions to property owners or to establish neutral-color requirements for primary building façades — and suggested taking any refinements back to planning commission before final council action.

Why this matters
The measures would make certain design criteria enforceable rather than advisory and could change approval paths for façade alterations and new construction downtown. Supporters say measurable standards reduce subjectivity in reviews; critics say overly prescriptive rules could stifle creativity or create enforcement challenges.

Council did not adopt the amendments at the meeting; staff and planning commission will consider the detailed technical comments and return with clarified language.","Council discussed proposed text amendments to multiple zoning chapters that would codify parts of recently drafted design guidelines. Planning commission forwarded the measures with a unanimous recommendation; public commenters and architects suggested clarifications before codification.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6242371,"Council approves interim fountain to address algae, dissolved-oxygen problems at Heritage Park",328,3573000,3901000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3247818-75957df1e83c806025ade486b3aa7d5a&start=3573&end=3901","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3247818-75957df1e83c806025ade486b3aa7d5a/thumbnail_3573000.jpg","/articles/6242371/Ohio/Council-approves-interim-fountain-to-address-algae-dissolved-oxygen-problems-at-Heritage-Park","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6242371-4be693c09d824bfac1a91a7c0a80a9d3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771164082&Signature=F-6My0TfwXpS3sMLvBLCW-DRaktEANmvSJvTAs5-t0MO2BlIlX0dD7qan-xIFJZbCyJsYBWa06FeFUXslLSSJVX3gByM0uOTK3IISZbzEvFMOPtofWLPbsWYTxIne9X8bHjIN0f1WOv7s7Q~AD8pLlmf9-eN0QqkJLi89U2yOCmf0vK-F7kqIzAgQnL9WQKJaOVN6ivSYtBy5iJYpizuWQ285mUPXDyX2yeS0nOgbIiid~w-d8MQVdzhMpqeS5FCBhZ4qs8ZFvTxne5bccDjSPcSE3IT2v2JncrKJcrIqIhjXPSSdnfGRBHR~zoIujFuWl2cd7EW-L-rEh0HDu10kw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kent council approved an emergency measure authorizing staff to install a temporary fountain at the Heritage Park dam site to address recent pump failures and recurring algae growth that have reduced dissolved oxygen levels in the river area.

Service department staff told council that replacing the existing pumps would cost an estimated $400,000–$500,000 and require extended Main Street closures to move the equipment. As an interim remedy, staff proposed installing a mechanical fountain and contracting with a local pond company for installation and maintenance; staff estimated the fountain cost at roughly $12,000–$15,000.

“Last summer, the pumps quit completely, and so we were unable to get them back up and running,” a presenter said. “In February, when we learned these numbers, I said, I think we need to put the brakes on and maybe take another look.”

Service staff described the fountain design and goals
- Fountain height and ring: staff said the fountain would project water roughly 11–12 feet high and create about a 40-foot ring, which they expect will help re-oxygenate the water and limit algae growth.
- Cost and procurement: staff estimated installation and initial monitoring at $12,000–$15,000 and proposed working with a local pond company for installation and maintenance.
- Interim vs. long-term: the fountain was described as a temporary measure to manage water quality while parks and service staff develop longer-term options for the park and evaluate pump replacement costs and logistics.

Council action and rationale
A council member moved to approve the installation with the emergency clause; that motion was seconded and the council voted in favor. Several council members and park liaisons supported the measure as a cost-effective, rapid response that avoids the higher immediate cost and traffic impacts of replacing the pumps.

Public comment and park perspective
Council and staff noted the site’s history, including earlier dam removal and subsequent habitat improvements; staff said prior work improved dissolved oxygen and fish habitat overall but that the pumps and pump-house equipment are aging. Parks staff and at least one council member said the fountain preserves water quality while allowing time to study aesthetic and longer-term restoration approaches.

Next steps
Staff were authorized to proceed with installation, to monitor dissolved-oxygen effects and algae levels, and to continue analysis of pump replacement options and park enhancements. Staff said they would report back to council on effectiveness and costs.","Council voted to allow staff to install a fountain at the Heritage Park dam site as a lower-cost, interim measure to improve dissolved oxygen and curb algae growth while the city studies longer-term options for the site.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6242377,"Kent council says Franklin Avenue outdoor seating will remain; staff to pursue marketing and distribution measures",4614,1878000,6492000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3247818-75957df1e83c806025ade486b3aa7d5a&start=1878&end=6492","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3247818-75957df1e83c806025ade486b3aa7d5a/thumbnail_1878000.jpg","/articles/6242377/Ohio/Kent-council-says-Franklin-Avenue-outdoor-seating-will-remain-staff-to-pursue-marketing-and-distribution-measures","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6242377-c3c2db2bc710d458a767909d0aeabe2d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771164082&Signature=MiDg6XDiG-xfsXpsF9eG0dDUIEpozn9kdNJZB5GEe0XYeOKUTeH~jeinMn3j-brPnvozaPW4sGd6oFKJvjSpvHqzrl~frDM5Qc2Zga5QeuKHMC6w7QeKz8unHtU9nnNHWf7GfBPDHYE96UlCqsmEzvqhagwO5dLclP9kG6NOa9asiH1sDTIQTO1vXCfDMUtWOllYJQxHMWra9uY2S~WZUJlGfV-yXeN934TzhoihMnBpZhIehNarvpcPba0wbGPPdZMEW6sbVzYwUfNYsiosY~j~-gQtBpbhyL6gtLz~GxJcMVrAzqG8fx2cCxzZQEFZtizs~I9gXhsVcDPjHrnJUA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City officials and council members told about 100 members of the public that the temporary outdoor seating on Franklin Avenue — known locally as the DORA (Downtown Outdoor Refreshment Area) — will remain in place this season and that staff will take non-legislative steps to address concerns raised by businesses outside Franklin.

The update, delivered during the Streets and Sidewalks committee portion of the meeting, emphasized that there was no vote or plan to remove the closure “unless council changes their mind,” and that the session was intended to be informational and to outline steps the city and Main Street Kent will take to spread foot traffic beyond Franklin.

Councilmember Bridget Tipton and other council members told the audience they view the DORA as a long-running success. Tipton said the closure, introduced during the COVID period, “has been super popular” and that the city would not take steps that would jeopardize businesses that benefited from it. Mayor David (first name used in meeting as “Dave”) described the conversation as “strictly an informational update,” and said the city would monitor effects on businesses across downtown.

Details discussed and next steps
- The city will work with Main Street Kent on clearer boundaries and marketing materials; staff and Main Street plan sandwich-board maps and other wayfinding to show the full DORA footprint, which extends beyond Franklin Avenue.
- A “DORA passport” or promotion is planned to incentivize visits to businesses outside Franklin; Main Street said it will coordinate a passport program and other marketing with participating businesses.
- Staff discussed redistributing seating and tables to other streets and locations to increase pedestrian seating outside Franklin while preserving pedestrian and ADA access.
- Councilmembers and staff cited earlier downtown changes (meter adjustments, festival permitting changes) as examples of incremental implementation and ongoing evaluation.

Why this matters
Council and staff said the closure has driven visitation and sales for many downtown businesses, especially on Franklin, but multiple businesses outside Franklin reported declines in foot traffic. The city and Main Street framed the measures as attempts to sustain Franklin’s success while boosting adjacent commercial corridors.

Public comment and council response
Several council members and staff acknowledged the volume of written comments and phone calls to council offices and urged residents to continue providing input. Council members urged residents to “spread the wealth” by visiting businesses beyond Franklin.

No formal action was taken during the committee update; staff were instructed to pursue outreach, wayfinding and marketing measures and to report results back to council.","Council members heard an informational update on the downtown Franklin Avenue outdoor seating (DORA) and directed staff and Main Street Kent to pursue outreach, wayfinding and redistribution of seating to support businesses outside Franklin.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Main Street Kent reports expanded events, visitor metrics and volunteer engagement for 2024; staff says new data tools will aid planning

Council reviews proposed zoning text amendments; planning commission endorsed measures and designers urge refinement

Council approves interim fountain to address algae, dissolved-oxygen problems at Heritage Park

Kent council says Franklin Avenue outdoor seating will remain; staff to pursue marketing and distribution measures