Making Springfield Shine: Trustee Dean Young's Commitment to Positive Change
In the heart of Springfield Township, Ohio, Trustee Dean Young has been working tirelessly to initiate projects that bring about positive change and long-term benefits to the community. This article delves into the successful initiatives spearheaded by Trustee Dean Young, his vision for the future, and the challenges he is addressing to make Springfield an even better place to live and work.
A Legacy of Positive Change
Deeply rooted in Springfield Township, Trustee Dean Young's connection to the community spans generations. His great-grandfather established the Young Farm in 1877, and he is proud to call this same farm his home. A graduate of Springfield High School and a holder of a law degree from Ohio State University, Trustee Dean Young could have chosen to live anywhere but made a conscious decision to contribute to the betterment of Springfield.
A Proactive Approach to Governance
As a Trustee, Dean Young has demonstrated a proactive approach to governance, initiating projects that enhance the quality of life in Springfield. Let's take a closer look at some of the notable initiatives he's been involved in:
Canton Road Corridor Enhancement: When the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) announced plans to renew the Canton Road corridor as a safety project, Trustee Dean Young took the lead in working with ODOT to incorporate aesthetic features into the plans. These features included decorative lighting, sidewalks with decorative concrete accents, landscape trees, crosswalks, and intersection signal poles. Without this intervention, this once-in-50-year project would have missed the opportunity to beautify the community.
Orndorff Nature Preserve: Recognizing the importance of preserving green spaces and protecting Springfield Lake from development-related runoff, Trustee Dean Young secured 17 acres on the east side of Springfield Lake from the Orndorff family through a Department of Natural Resources grant. The Orndorff Nature Preserve will stand as a testament to his commitment to environmental conservation.
Spartan Trail: Identifying the potential of an abandoned trolley car line as a pedestrian hike and bike trail, Trustee Dean Young initiated negotiations to obtain an easement from Ohio Edison, the current owner. His relentless efforts are now culminating in the opening of the Spartan Trailhead at the high school complex, connecting to the trolley car line and providing a permanent benefit to Springfield residents.
Challenges and Strategies
While celebrating these accomplishments, it's essential to acknowledge the challenges facing Springfield Township and the strategies proposed by Trustee Dean Young to address them:
1. Improving Water Quality: Springfield Lake's deteriorating water quality is a pressing concern. Trustee Dean Young has taken the initiative to identify contamination sources, reform land use policies, and advocate for sanitary sewer infrastructure to address this issue. Developing green infrastructure and preserving property are key components of his strategy to reduce runoff into the lake.
2. Limited Resources: With townships relying primarily on real estate taxes, managing limited resources effectively is crucial. Trustee Dean Young has pursued grant funding opportunities, such as those from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and FEMA, to supplement township finances and ensure essential services, like fire and paramedic personnel staffing, are adequately funded.
Communication with Constituents
Transparent communication is vital for effective governance. Trustee Dean Young is committed to keeping constituents informed about his work through various channels, including broadcasting township meetings on YouTube and Spectrum local cable, posting updates on the township website, and engaging with citizens directly through meetings, phone calls, and emails.
Long-term Goals and Aspirations
Looking ahead, Trustee Dean Young's long-term goals include making Springfield Township an attractive destination for families and businesses. He recognizes the need to compete with other communities and is dedicated to investing resources judiciously to provide essential services and amenities, such as recreational opportunities and community events, that residents expect.
In Springfield Township, positive change and progress are driven by individuals like Trustee Dean Young. His deep roots in the community, proactive approach to governance, and commitment to addressing challenges make him a valuable asset to Springfield. With his vision and determination, Springfield Township is poised for a brighter future, where residents and businesses can thrive in a welcoming and vibrant community.
Article Sponsored By:
Springfield Lakemore Chamber of Akron is a non-profit organization made up of local businesses and governing bodies that operate in and around the Springfield Lakemore area. Springfield Lakemore Chamber of Akron has a goal to promote, protect and serve the civic, social, and economic interests of the Springfield Township, Village of Lakemore, and surrounding areas to encourage a unified public spirit in the community. You may see our members volunteering their time in the many community-held events or at our annual Car Show each year in October.
