Topic Workshop #5 Recap
What We Did…
On Monday, June 24, 2024, the Eastland community came together at Barnett Community Center to discuss community well-being, identity, and pride. We had 46 participants join who heard a presentation from the Eastland Planning Team and Mid-Ohio Food Collective, and also participated in engagement activities. The information below is a high-level summary of what was discussed during the workshop.
Please visit the documents page to download the full presentation.
What We Heard…
Community Well-being
First, the community discussed existing needs perceived by the community. We asked the community where the gaps existed and discussed data on safety, food access, and other issues that the community has expressed in relation to general well-being. These previously collected insights allow us to generally understand existing community desires and what strategies and resources the community feels are necessary to address the findings.
Results from the community survey on missing community services
Results from the community survey on what hinders people from feeling welcomed in the Eastland area
Mid-Ohio Food Collective
The community then heard from Brad Draper, Senior VP of Operations for Mid-Ohio Food Collective (MOFC). He discussed the goals and vision of MOFC, shared details about their purchase of the former Refugee Road Kroger, and how it will serve the Eastland community upon completion.
MOFC Market Objectives
With hopes to create a space that can provide wraparound services to the Eastland community, MOFC asked the community what additional services should be added to further meet the needs of the community.
Responses to additional services MOFC should consider in the new Refugee Road site
Engagement Activity
During the community well-being engagement activity, we asked the community to suggest tools, programs, or interventions that community partners and stakeholders could implement to address challenges and needs.
Elements of Community Well-being
Activity Question: What would help to improve your well-being and that of your neighbors?
Community Identity and Pride
Next, the community discussed the existing need for a unifying identify and strengthened community pride in the Eastland area. With emphasis on illustrating community assets, we asked the community where the gaps existed and discussed what elements would help the community feel more unified. We also shared results from the survey on what the formal name of the Eastland Community Plan should be.
Results from the community survey on what corridors are in need of beautification
Results from the community survey on what gateways make people feel like they’ve entered Eastland
Results from the community survey on the official plan name
The Eastland Planning Team then highlighted the existing assets in the Eastland area. These existing assets are important because not only do they appeal to members of surrounding communities, but they can be utilized by and enhance the lives of those already living, working, playing, learning, and worshipping in the Eastland area.
Place-based assets in the Eastland Plan area
Engagement Activity
After discussing these results and elements of community identity and pride, we asked the community to suggest tools, programs, or interventions that community partners and stakeholders could implement to address challenges and needs.
Elements of Community Identity and Pride
What improvements would strengthen the identity of the Eastland area?
What would make you feel a stronger sense of belonging or pride in the Eastland area?
How to Stay Involved
The Eastland Workshop series is now complete, however, the community engagement process is far from over! Use the links below to complete the Housing Workshop survey and for other ways to stay involved over the next few months. We’ll continue to post updates and share other opportunities to engage as they arise. We hope to see you in the fall for Public Meeting #3!
Fill out the Eastland Community Plan Housing Workshop Survey
Share your ideas or open ended thoughts about Eastland’s future on the Vision Wall.
Tell us a bit about the places where you go or avoid in Eastland.