RoadsideOnline

By Matt Fredmonsky Record-Courier staff writer Kent city officials are hopeful to use the now vacant and decrepit diner at the corner of Erie and South Water streets for one more purpose before the wrecking ball strikes. Councilwoman Heidi Shaffer, who represents Ward 5 residents and the downtown district, said she views demolition of what is commonly known as Jerry's Diner as a symbol for kicking off a new era of downtown development aside from the ongoing work of the Phoenix Project on East Main Street. "This is one of the No. 1 issues people bring to my attention," Shaffer said. The building's demolition, Shaffer said, would signal additional progress in redeveloping the city's struggling core. The vacant building is located within the block currently planned for redevelopment by the city in partnership with Cleveland-based Fairmount Properties. Read [url=http://www.recordpub.com/news/article/4209631]more.[/url]