Like many Midwestern towns and cities, Mansfield has suffered the woes of the constricting belt known as the “Rust Belt.” A decline in manufacturing and an exodus of families and individuals characterizes the Rust Belt–that area from the Great Lakes though much of the Midwest that was once known as the America’s Industrial Heartland.
According to federal data, Mansfield, like some other rust belt cities, has experienced a population decline. The Ohio Department of Development Research Office of Ohio noted that Richland County’s population declined from 2000 to 2013 reach a negative 6 percent. Yet Ohio’s population increased from 2000 to 2013 by 2 percent. Furthermore, the population change of the U.S. from 2000 to 2013 increased by 12 percent, which equates to approximately 34 million new United States residents. According to these figures, however, they are not coming to Richland County.
Population Change of Richland County, Ohio, United States
What can Richland County do to bolster the local economy, attract more residents, and clear the seemingly ever oxidizing rust?
There have been some recent ideas. In November 2010, a group of community leaders and citizens proposed the idea to take out the section of Park Avenue that cuts through Central Park, thereby creating some community improvement. Then, in October 2013, businessman John Fernyak presented his idea of converting one-way streets back to two-way streets to, at the least, facilitate downtown access. Most recently, an idea to mitigate flood damage to the north side of downtown Mansfield also proposes improvements.
Each idea has a motivation to reinvigorate Mansfield’s culture, economy and “livability.” The problem, however, seems to be money. The general consensus from Mansfield’s council meetings, where these ideas were presented, is rooted in one significant detail: money. Who or what entity will fund these projects?
In an article published in January, Mayor Tim Theaker said, “I do want the best for downtown Mansfield, but at what cost? Moving forward, we need to figure out the impact both of these [projects] are going to have. We need to figure out which is the best for us right now.”
Furthermore, John Siegenthaler, the main proponent for the reunification of Central Park also expressed uncertainty regarding funding. He was quoted in a recent article, “As far as what things are going to cost and who will pay for them is all very preliminary.”
But most agree that something, whether it be converting the streets to two-way traffic, or reunifying the park, needs to be done in the downtown area. In a Richland Source study, 80 percent of citizens surveyed agreed that one of the options should happen.
Other cities, big and small, have tried investing in their city’s well-being by implementing different projects. Indianapolis, for example, turned traffic lanes and parking spaces into an alternative transportation “Cultural Trail” that connects six of Indianapolis’ historic neighborhoods. The trail features unique arts, cultural heritage, sports, and entertainment landmarks.
“[The Cultural Trail] is a great example of the greater good that comes from investing federal, state, local and philanthropic dollars in new transportation options,” said Indianapolis Communications Coordinator Emily Garrett.
“In the few short years since it opened, the Cultural Trail has attracted at least $100-million dollars in new investment to the city. It was cited by Cummins as a major factor in their decision to build a new division headquarters downtown,” she added.
Birmingham, Alabama built an 8,500-seat minor league baseball stadium (Regions Field). The stadium sits within a newly designed and finished metropolitan park, called Railroad Park.
Provo, Utah developed a process for defining its called “Vision 2030.” Mayor John Curtis said this is something he started as a new mayor back in 2010. The main goal was to allow the community to set and reach goals and a vision by 2030.
“As a community we defined what we wanted to look like in 20 years. We engaged hundreds of residents in the process and as elected officials and city staff we were careful to get out of the way and let the public chart the course for the city,” stated Curtis. “It has been amazing. Many of goals have already been accomplished and the city is on a strong course towards reaching our 20 year expectations,” he added.
Closer to home is Mentor, Ohio. The city has received national attention for its liveability. In May 2006, Money Magazine named Mentor in their “100 Best Places to Live.” In 2012, it was named “Best Place to Retire in Ohio” by Smart Money.
Like Provo, Mentor takes planning ahead seriously. Mentor was established as a city of Ohio in 1963, with traditions rooted in 1950s with city planning that are still in practice today.
Downtown Mansfield projects are still under discussion. According to Siegenthaler, the key to reunifying Central Park is patience and leadership.
“Political leadership is key. Patience and momentum are also helpful as Mansfield has a history of not following through with major projects,” said Siegenthaler.
John Fernyak, the main proponent of converting one-way streets back to two-way streets says that combining the two projects would take too long.
“The mayor says he backs [two-way street conversion]. He wants a dual project though. That would put both out of reach for the next five to eight years. I’d like to see this done before my eighty-second birthday. The other project will take longer,” said Fernyak.
We engaged hundreds of residents in the process and as elected officials and city staff we were careful to get out of the way and let the public chart the course for the city.“t has been amazing. Many of goals have already been accomplished and the city is on a strong course towards reaching our 20 year expectations,” stated Provo, Utah Mayor John Curtis.
