Akron DSA and Save White Pond Demand Stop to White Pond Development

For immediate release – November 18, 2022

AKRON, OHIO — Akron DSA demands Akron City Council halt development at White Pond Business Park immediately. We join with our fellow Akronites to say that public land should be for public use, not the profits of private investment. This wetland area is home to vulnerable species of wildlife — likely including a few endangered species, though more time is needed to confirm. In Ohio, 90% of wetlands have already been destroyed, and as climate change intensifies, we can’t afford to destroy natural habitats, including a peat bog, which is something that is excellent at storing carbon and for mitigating air, water, soil, and noise pollution.

DSA is an ecosocialist, ecojustice organization, meaning we fully support maintaining and preserving undeveloped areas at all costs, meaningful action towards mitigating climate change, and creating ways for people to live in harmony with the natural spaces we love and depend upon for survival. Capital’s need for constant growth and expansion is incompatible with life on earth and it is our responsibility as socialists to stand against the reckless demands of Capitalism.

Additionally, this proposal suggests unethical behavior. Mayor Horrigan accepted campaign donations in 2021 from the developers and individuals affiliated with the developers – Triton Property Ventures, LLC and now White Pond Reserve, LLC – a company that the public has no evidence of experience with new developments. Triton owns multiple properties across the area, and with this city focusing on critically needed housing improvements, we don’t need another unaccountable landlord with properties tied up in LLCs.

We are inviting the public to join us for a hike hosted by Save White Pond at 1 pm on Sunday, November 20, 2022 at the area slated for development. 

Parking for event: 274 White Pond Drive

Event information: https://actionnetwork.org/events/save-white-pond-hike-for-solidarity/

Akron Democratic Socialists of America

Email: [email protected]