Community Development

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NEAR, a volunteer neighborhood association located in NE Canton, partnered with J.R. Coleman in 2005 to implement the comprehensive NEAR Economic Development Plan. The plan was developed by neighborhood residents, business owners, and stakeholders from NE Canton. The Mahoning Road Corridor Economic Development Project is the first initiative of the plan. Both J. R. Coleman and NEAR recognize that building healthy neighborhoods involves a good deal more than Economic Development. Activities that strengthen the sense of community are necessary. Several annual community events and ongoing projects are spearheaded by NEAR and other community partners and supported by J. R. Coleman, with growing involment and excitement each year.

COMMUNITY INITIATIVES

4th Annual NE Canton Reunion - The 4^th Annual NE Canton Reunion was held Saturday, August 20, 2011 and drew a crowd of over 600 people who enjoyed events at three locations along Mahoning Road.

The hub of the Reunion was on Superior Avenue NE from Mahoning Road to 16^th Street. The streets were blocked off and the lawn filled at Imagine School, the site of the former St. Paul's Church. Features included a car show, live music, a Kid Zone with inflatables, 'fair food', the Canton SWAT Team, and a community wide art project. Spontaneous games of tag football and sidewalk chalk drawings added to the fun.

The Stark Social Workers Network, located at the corners of Harrisburg and Mahoning Roads, was the second Reunion site. The air surrounding the site was alive with dance music as festival goers enjoyed the many features. A petting zoo drew an audience of hundreds and sported llamas, a kangaroo, antelope, deer, a large tortoise, and other exotic animals. New air conditioned SARTA busses took riders on a guided bus loop tour of over twenty points of interest in the neighborhoods surrounding Mahoning Road NE. A Farmers Market offered the juiciest peaches of the season and baskets of produce; with some eaten on the spot and some taken home for later enjoyment.

Chirumbolo's Cafe, at the corner of Royal Avenue NE and Mahoning Road, hosted a day long block party that included a Poker Run with over 100 motorcycles and proceeds benefitting the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. A large crowd gathered round the covered tables drinking cold ones while listening to live music and enjoying the smell of ribs on the grill. Picnic dinners were available at five dollars per plate.

For one summer day neighbors, friends and family relaxed, had some fun, and created fond memories in our NE Canton home.

Tree Lighting and Community Dinner - This event is held the first Saturday of December at 6:00 p.m. The tree lighting takes place at the Trailhead at 14th and Mahoning Road NE Canton. The dinner follows, and is held at a local venue. The night includes a visit from Santa and Mrs. Clause, entertainment and a chance to win prizes. Fun for the whole family.

B-Earth Day - A celebration of our Earth with a focus on a spring planting and clean-up of our neighborhood parks

Nimisilla & Cook Park Revitalization - A group of local citizens is working to revitalize Nimisilla Park. Early successes include the New Horizon Play Area. New Horizon is Canton's largest playground and is fully accessible.

SAFETY INITIATIVES

The federally funded Department of Justice Weed and Seed Initiative is a crime prevention strategy that involves neighborhood residents, businesses, police, and community leaders in developing strategies and goals in three specific areas: law enforcement, prevention, intervention and treatment, and neighborhood restoration.

Interested residents in the designated area are encouraged to join one of the sub-committees below.

Weed and Seed Logo