KENT, Ohio – In a robust session focusing on community synergy and long-term planning, the Kent Regular City Council meeting highlighted a renewed commitment to the “town and gown” relationship. Undergraduate Student Government (USG) President Ivory Kendrick, alongside University Liaison Dana Lawless-Andric, presented a vision for deeper integration between students and permanent residents. The council also addressed immediate infrastructure needs, including flood control updates and the rehabilitation of the newly acquired property at 319 South DePeyster Street.
Enhancing Kent State University and City Collaboration
The meeting opened with a powerful call for unity from Ivory Kendrick, the USG President. Kendrick, a native of Portage County, expressed a desire to dissolve the perceived “dichotomy” between the campus and downtown Kent. He noted that many students currently feel they only visit the downtown area for commercial transactions and proposed more mission-driven community events, such as volunteering with local social services or the NAACP.
Dana Lawless-Andric provided several university updates, noting that President Todd Diacon’s contract has been extended through June 30, 2029. She also discussed the ongoing “T28” academic restructuring plan and introduced Nick Capanni as the new Executive Director of Government Relations. Lawless-Andric emphasized that while enrollment faces challenges typical of the current climate—down approximately 2%—the university remains fiscally sound and focused on community-integrated events like “Flashes First Friday.”
Future Utility of the 319 South DePeyster Property
Parks and Recreation Director Angela Whittaker provided an update on the former Kent Church of Christ building. Since the city’s purchase in late 2023, initial inspections have revealed that the structure requires significant code upgrades and foundational repairs, estimated between $50,000 and $100,000.
Proposed uses for the space include:
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Additional Recreational Programming: Expanding educational and fitness offerings.
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Public Rental Space: Addressing the high demand for local event venues for graduations and showers.
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Senior Programming: Relocating existing programs to more suitable, accessible areas.
Whittaker clarified that while the building has a basement, it may not be accessible to the public, likely limiting programming to the main floor.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Recommendations
Zoning and Grants Coordinator Kayyan Cyrus presented the funding recommendations for the 2026 program year. Although the exact allocation from HUD is pending, the city is basing its $265,000 budget on previous years. Key projects include:
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Elm Street Reconstruction: $157,000 for full-depth reconstruction.
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CAC Furnace Program: $43,000 for inspections and replacements for low-to-moderate income families.
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Homeless Shelter Services: $15,000 for window replacements and emergency shelter nights at the Miller and Freedom Houses.
The council also approved a sublease for the Haymaker Farmers’ Market, ensuring the local staple returns to its downtown location from April through November.
Infrastructure and Public Safety Updates
Public Service Director Melanie Baker detailed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the City of Ravenna regarding an emergency water interconnect. This 2002 agreement is being updated to ensure water portability and system compatibility, a resource that proved vital during the previous mill fire when Kent drew six million gallons of water from Ravenna.
Additionally, IT Director Nick Ammons reported on a city-wide hardware refresh, including a transition to a new network-based phone system. The rollout is being conducted building-by-building to minimize disruption, with City Hall scheduled for completion by the end of the week.