City seeks project to redesign Elkton Road

Newark is planning a redevelopment of Elkton Road to increase the area's draw to businesses and tourists.

Newark Planning Director Ray Lopata said there will be a variety of buildings which will be redesigned with the intent of making the city more attractive.

"A couple months ago, city council approved a request from downtown Newark with the goal of extending the downtown pedestrian feel," Lopata said. "Several projects have been approved, the Millyard, shops and apartments."

He said The Grainery was recently torn down to turn the space into the Millyard, a commercial building which will also house apartments. The city would like to give Elkton Road a downtown feel, like that of Main Street, in which residents and students can enjoy the businesses in the area, he said.

Newark Mayor Vance Funk III said the new atmosphere of Elkton Road would be beneficial for students because of the convenience and expansion of more stores within walking distance of campus.

"It's based on plans being presented to the city for redevelopment," Funk said. "It's an extension of retail services available. It seemed to be the right fit and it creates business opportunities."

He said the foremost reason to redevelop the area on Elkton Road is that it is an entrance to the downtown area of the city. It is in the city's and the university's best interest to improve the area so that more people will be attracted to the region, he said.

The area will have a mixed use including off-campus housing, stores and businesses, Funk said. Many of the buildings will be devoted to business space because businesses can afford the rent and there is not much need for stores due to the fact that there are already many retail shops throughout Newark.

He said the redevelopment will help businesses who have not had the chance to be located on Main Street, in addition to bringing more money into the city.

"It's an increase in tax base, which is very important to us," Funk said. "It'll give opportunities to add different types of retail which could not afford to be on Main Street."

Lizette Torres, manager of Klondike Kate's, said she does not think the addition of new businesses on Elkton Road will threaten those on Main Street.

"I think it'll be great to have an expansion," Torres said. "There's so much on Main Street. Expanding will help with parking. Everything seems so cramped. It'll be nice to have more great things."

She said when she graduated from the university in 2001, the city was not as built-up as it is currently. She has seen a vast improvement of the businesses in the city and is glad to see it is continuing to develop.

Not only will students have more places to go, but it will also bring in many more people of different ages, Torres said.

She said she is not worried the redevelopment of Elkton Road will cause her to lose business.

"If there are more shops brought up, more people will want to come," she said. "There will be more business."

Nick Kardas, manager of Pat's Pizzeria on Elkton Road, said he is looking forward to the redevelopment of the area. He said he hopes it will bring even more students to the area and increase business.

"I think it's going to be a positive effect because it's going to expand Main Street," Kardas said. "There will be more places to see and better vendors instead of all shuffled on one street."

In addition to adding new businesses and improving the area, it will also become a safer place for students and the community, he said. Kardas does not care what businesses are brought to Elkton Road, as long as redeveloping the area gives it a more protective feel like that of Main Street.

"It doesn't matter, as long as they develop it right," Kardas said. "They need to make it safer for students and the Newark population. I want it expanding."