Acorn Corner gets License to Occupy Sidewalk

The transformation of the old Kent hotel into Acorn Corner took another step forward this week.

Aside from the obvious exterior and interior renovations the project gained critical approval from city officials this week for parts of its East Main Street entrances to occupy portions of the sidewalk.

Kent City Council voted to grant a license to occupy part of the public right of way to Genghis Properties, LLC, the entity renovating the former hotel at 176 E. Main St. and managed by Acorn Alley developer Ron Burbick.

Kent City Manager Dave Ruller said the city has granted similar licenses to occupy to the developers of the Kent State University Hotel and Conference Center and PARTA's transit center.

"As managers of the public right-of-way we’re comfortable with his encroachment," Ruller told council members Wednesday. "There’s plenty of room."

The license to occupy followed the same procedure used in granting permission to Panini's to occupy part of the sidewalk in front of the new Davey Tree Building on South Water Street.

Kent Service Director Gene Roberts said the Americans with Disabilities Act -compliant ramps that provide access to the front entrances will run parallel to Main Street and the sidewalk, similar to the ramps in front of Acorn Alley.

"The stairs in some cases will be perpendicular" to the street, Roberts said. "He’ll have ADA compliant access to the lower level and also to the first floor, where you’ll have access to the elevator."

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