The Volunteering Page of Mark Clendenin

In 2016, Habitat for Humanity East Central Ohio entered into a $3.5 million dollar, four-year revitalization effort in a Northeast Canton neighborhood. The vision of the project (The Renewal Project) is a holistic plan to bring back our neighborhoods through ownership, pride, and empowerment. To support this vision, Habitat for Humanity ECO is utilizing all our programs to construct 20 new homes, preserve 30 homes, demolish 30 vacant/blighted structures, repurpose 30 lots, help 200 existing homeowners fix up their homes, and create 3 pocket parks. The goal is to allow homeowners the opportunity to live in a stable neighborhood, be filled with pride because of their investment, and remove the burden of necessary home repairs.

Our first pocket park is the redevelopment of the intersection of 19th Street and Edwards Ave NE. The current bus stop is virtually unmarked, the area is dark, there are no handicap accommodations, and it is located on two corners of residents' lawns. This collaborative project partners Habitat with SARTA, City of Canton, Canton Rotary, Canton Parks and Recreation Department, and the neighborhood association to design and construct a well-lit, accessible bus stop at the center crossroads.

The new design includes benches, ramps to the street, drainage features, identity signage, trash receptacles, and lampposts on each side of the street, as well as new landscaping features to maximize and beautify the space while minimizing maintenance.

At the center of the crossroads is a small area that is run-down and overgrown. We plan to keep the existing flagpole, as it is in good condition, but replace the plants with red rubber mulch—which require less maintenance—and install updated signage that is prominent, sturdy, and indicative of the neighborhood.

Additionally, we will be installing a new community board for the neighborhood association, local assets, and residents to communicate information about happenings in the area.