The possible relocation of dozens of disadvantaged people who live at Mayflower Manor in downtown Akron could cause more problems than just adapting to a new residence.  That's according to Rose Juriga, executive director of the Tri-County Independent Living center, who was reacting to an announcement that the Mayflower residents might be forced to move.

"The farther away that they are removed from the nucleus of the city, the farther away that puts them from vital transportation and social services as well as their support systems," said Juriga.

There's no guarantee that a move will be necessary, but city of Akron officials did disclose that they would like to find someone who would be willing to take over the old building and renovate it.  If that happens, the people who live there now, many of whom were placed by Juriga's agency, would be fanned out to at least three public housing developments.  The whole thing is dependent on several factors, including the city's ability to obtain a federal loan.

Juriga says the other thing that's bothersome to her staff and the people who utilize their services is that the deal would not result in a net gain of low income housing.  There has been a supply-demand problem on that front for years.

"I can only conclude that this is going to just further add to the overall housing units that the city has lost over the last ten-plus years," said Juriga.

Mayor Don Plusquellic says the "market will determine" how the building is used in the future and if it even changes hands at all.