POLAND Students unveil vision of village

Some of the changes may come to fruition.
JOHN W. GOODWIN JR.
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
POLAND -- The village of tomorrow may look very different from the community seen today, should officials choose to follow suggestions proposed by graduate students from Kent State University's school of architecture.
The students spent four days in the village studying the current lay of the land and coming up with suggestions that would make the area more aesthetically pleasing and pedestrian friendly.
The suggestions were presented to the community Monday at the public library. The study was organized by the Poland Vision Committee.
Sections: The students divided the village into five main sections: The Boulevard, which runs from the Interstate 680 interchange to routes 224 and 170; Town Center, the area where 224 and 170 meet; Main Street; the Yellow Creek Pedestrian Walkway; and the Poland Woods. Suggestions were given for all five sections.
For The Boulevard the group focused on crosswalks, sidewalk improvements, and how Route 224 divides the north and south sections of the community. It's suggested that Route 224 be widened and greenery placed in the median and on both sides of the street along with bike paths. The group also said the post office entrance should be rerouted off of 224 onto a side street.
The Town Center area, it is suggested, needs buildings of importance to make it truly the hub of the community. The students said town hall should be relocated to the area behind the clock tower.
Directly across from the new town hall would be a new community center and a monument to community founders. The group said there is already sufficient parking in this area to support the endeavor.
Main Street would include another monument to President William McKinley. The town hall building would become an historic exhibit or place to display Poland art. The students suggested an increase in office-retail space in this area. Changes to the path and woods would be mostly additional green space and other cosmetic changes. The group did suggest, however, more entrances to the park and improved facilities in the park.
Cost not considered: Herman Maass, co-chairman of the vision committee, admits completing all the changes would be costly, but said the students were instructed not to consider cost because that would limit creativity. He said the community must decide which improvements are most suitable and how those changes can be funded. The suggestions all stem from community suggestions, he said.
Mayor Ruth Wilkes said the students' suggestions are only the first step. She said the suggestions will be followed by future town meetings.
"This is alive and well as a concept," she said. "We have to start looking at money and what can realistically be done."
The students' time for the project was donated. Their meals and lodging was covered by the committee.
jgoodwin@vindy.com