RubberBuzz || Akron Unleashed: The Idea of Cool

3.30.2005

The Idea of Cool

Everyone is talking about Akron "being cool" after a big article & this editorial in Sunday's BJ:

Akron isn't L.A.? Glad you noticed

Joe has already offered his opinion and now it's my turn. Here's what I agreed with Giffels on: "Being cool means being confident, and confidence means never having to say you're cool." (later in his editorial, he then tells us what makes Akron cool... way to be confident.) and "Obviously Akron is in a different league than Los Angeles. Not so obvious is that's exactly what we should be embracing."

Yeah, so Akron = L.A. = Never Gonna Happen. Also, L.A. = Cool = Never Gonna Happen. I hate to tell y'all but I have been to L.A. the only thing "cool" about it is the fact that you can wear flip flops all year round. And there's not much we can do about that here. Anyway, as a young person who already lives here, I think the only way Akron will ever achieve "coolocity" is to step up and innovate. I'm not gonna pretend to have all the answers but here are some things that have peeked my interest:

Falls looks into going wireless citywide - If you're serious about revitalizing the downtown area then add free Wi-Fi. The university already has a wireless campus. Strike a deal, split the cost, get downtown businesses involved... just do whatever you have to do to get downtown wireless.

Summit blueprints its future - The Department of Community and Economic Development is asking some interesting questions to create a "blueprint" that would improve Summit County communities. I hope Akron pays attention.

County Director of Development Joe Migliorini said the general plan will enhance zoning and master plans in communities that have them and provide guidance in areas where no such plans exist. If implemented successfully, the plan could aid economic development, preserve green spaces, encourage historical preservation, control traffic congestion, improve local water quality and utilities and help control sprawl.

Cleveland tech czar offering carrots to entice companies - Cleveland wants to create a "strong, centralized base" of tech businesses and they aren't afraid to steal them. Akron is at risk of losing their promising businesses to Cleveland if they don't step up. I don't know much about Akron small business programs or incentives (or if they even exist) and that's the problem. The city needs to promote existing SB programs & create new ones to stay competitive.

I can think of a few more things right off the top of my head but this post is getting outta hand. So I'll save it for another day. My point is that Akron needs more than new bars and old blimps to make it cool...

(Mia :: The Idea of Cool)

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