On 21 August by Goodyear Heights in , , , ,    No comments
The process has started. With the submission of our preliminary paperwork to the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), the effort to create a National Register Historic District in Goodyear Heights is now fully underway.

The process begins with a preliminary questionnaire, which gives a general overview of the nominated area and requires the submitter to provide detailed information about the proposed district. This information generally covers four different criteria, which describe an area’s significance in terms of:


a) Historic significance in terms of key national or local historic events
b) Association with important people of national or local importance
c) Definitive characteristics, representing the work of a master, or distinctive features that make it representative of a type, period or method of design/construction
d) Association or potential for archaeological discovery

While many historic districts have been deemed eligible for the National Register of Historic Places using just one of these criteria, Goodyear Heights can claim to have significance using three of these criteria; a, b, and c. That provides a distinct advantage in pursuing our application.

Our preliminary paperwork also included a number of photographs, including houses, streetscapes, parks and other images which will provide our SHPO evaluation team with an image of the neighborhood’s current condition. Also important were maps of the proposed district and historic maps of the original phases of the allotment.

It’s a long evaluation process; once the materials are reviewed, a site visit to Goodyear Heights will be made by the SHPO to further research the neighborhood and, providing the submission is approved, they will provide recommendations and guidance for preparing the final application for the National Register of Historic Places. This will be submitted to the National Parks Service.

So – our work has just begun! If you have questions, or would like to offer help if it is needed, we would certainly like to hear from you. In the meantime, be sure to sign our online petition, which will help us as we pursue obtaining assistance from the city of Akron on this project.



On 17 August by Goodyear Heights in , , ,    No comments
It's no secret that Goodyear Heights knows how to put on a great block party, and it was certainly in evidence on August 1st during the national Night Out Against Crime neighborhood celebration. Each year in cities all across the country, neighbors gather to share information, get info from law enforcement on how to keep their community safe, and generally have fun getting to know each other!

The annual event takes place in neighborhoods all over Akron, but the biggest party of all happens right here in Goodyear Heights, in front of the Linda Theater. Local businesses, community groups, entertainers and residents all shared in the fun, with hundreds of people congregating on Goodyear Boulevard. Much of the credit for the even goes to R.I.G.H.T. president Sharon Connor, who helps organize the event and bring it all together.

To read more about it, check out this article in The Akronist.



On 06 August by Goodyear Heights in , , , ,    No comments
It’s time to share your vision about a Community Garden in Goodyear Heights!

There was a meeting on July 11, but you can still participate in a community garden survey initiated by Summit Metro Parks. This survey is intended for any resident of the Goodyear Heights, Ellet and City of Akron interested in gardening, socializing, volunteering or coordinating garden-related activities.

A community garden provides a source of inexpensive, high quality food, an opportunity for activities and socializing, and a source of community pride! Please take 5 minutes to help Summit Metro Parks look at your community’s needs and desires. Your responses are welcomed and protected. Please share this link: http://bit.ly/SMPgardensurvey with other neighbors of the Goodyear Heights Lodge which is located at 2077 Newton Street, Akron 44305.

You might be surprised to know that community gardens are not a new thing in Goodyear Heights; during the First World War, many residents worked together to grow vegetables on the allotment's vacant lots. During WWII, a portion of the metropolitan park was also used to grow vegetables in support of the war effort!

Thank you in advance for your assistance in gathering community information regarding community gardens.