[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6209656,"mediaKeyId","3734178-bf138f98b2d3e97511e0d917dc8c43b7","parentId",3734178,"title","Council committee approves transfer of Summit Lake parcel to Let's Grow Akron for community garden","audioSeconds",123,"startMs",3085000,"endMs",3208000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3734178-bf138f98b2d3e97511e0d917dc8c43b7&start=3085&end=3208","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3734178-bf138f98b2d3e97511e0d917dc8c43b7/thumbnail_3085000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6209656/Akron/Summit-County/Ohio/Council-committee-approves-transfer-of-Summit-Lake-parcel-to-Lets-Grow-Akron-for-community-garden","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6209656-fe8690835f1ba4ea1e1401585a10aeef/orig.mp4?Expires=1771137075&Signature=VC6UaYTMJ1KQbWZwBT2ZfSzY~fw0N9my9zwaQ5mnewWAMu5OgvpT3tf5R6uVU54kvB6p7puuaPyqzO2Pv9LgclSR7QfbNHfKFCyAF1QrhDbqgmbhQ6P5hcrFvVy8ZAj~4FtfltEzn8a4pY-4QGmz1aKJIpS6WnzZZjzOPkApE6gaYsxV9QNc3Lk-lh5mCCZdwUx22UOdeYeM9MvumQjzARN~NtOYwA--eTlYvw9W6hvWvassZvxey8GRHlgFOyfgwW1I2BXlLyjMVioB2sufIp82WDqsh-g1rqrL3Hy3o4Z7Iv8eqTPRYf45oodCntTlMnPJcQmK9vp6zPQwjcv6UA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Akron, OH ","date","2025-06-10T08:29:51.64Z","article","The planning committee approved on consent an ordinance authorizing the disposition of a portion of city-owned property (Summit County parcel number 6858877) to nonprofit Let's Grow Akron so the organization can continue operating a community garden at the corner of Edison Avenue and Long Street in the Summit Lake neighborhood.

Assistant or staff member (Gillian) reported the parcel has been used as a community garden supported by Let's Grow Akron for more than 10 years and that the Summit Lake Land Use Plan adopted by council endorses maintaining the site as garden space. The administration said the city will resurvey the parcel and split off an unused portion that Let's Grow Akron does not intend to use, preserving the garden parcel while opening a small lot for a potential future home site.

Planning commission determined the land is not needed for city purposes and recommended the disposition. Committee members approved the consent-item transfer by voice vote and the measure will proceed to full council as part of the consent agenda.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Akron Council Committee Meetings - 06.09.2025","oneSentenceSummary","The planning committee approved, on consent, transferring a city-owned parcel in the Summit Lake neighborhood to nonprofit Let's Grow Akron to preserve a community garden used for more than 10 years; the transfer includes a parcel resurvey to separate unused land for a future home site.","taxTitle","Akron, Summit County, Ohio","taxId",2666,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6209662,"Planning staff recommends approval to convert former Hotchkiss Elementary into mixed-use development",180,1010000,1190000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3734178-bf138f98b2d3e97511e0d917dc8c43b7&start=1010&end=1190","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3734178-bf138f98b2d3e97511e0d917dc8c43b7/thumbnail_1010000.jpg","/articles/6209662/Akron/Summit-County/Ohio/Planning-staff-recommends-approval-to-convert-former-Hotchkiss-Elementary-into-mixed-use-development","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6209662-2171df69d950099877877ea0b2100eb8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771137075&Signature=SIuxNhdXcqKd52ZO5kNOD0Zdbglgw-C7hGboBTFFkjTOM6FLAeOl4WFSjTj2QooWnvg4BSjGNEbHjRRcCZDXRyDV~MIu8UKQfb5iumOE5DUj9~ihyXdJjICazh3Qxhd5JAjXQqhzRkVLSWRnmXqavAnr5c7qWIrC~aB7SaP35tXyszmGK0ssOzfnGDB45QcscetZcgR~Tt9LcF-Z~CjgxQF-DenJtbqF7QlGzaPOk6S0N9-cUsOUdIIwMgUP37QN6G-b9oJWICAAF9A4722hlFVb~SEgQGKUAuQZWrXWoBkdAP33tmJE0jkyL47W3ZanzS1VCygOmMKhRFPXVBovFA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Planning staff recommended approval of a conditional-use permit to convert the former Hotchkiss Elementary School at 33 Dorcas Avenue into a mixed-use building containing retail/flex space, an event center and 10 apartments on the second floor.

Mike Antonucci of the city planning department told the committee the developer, Flex Enterprises Lehi, intends to preserve architectural character—entryways, arched windows, hardwood floors and exposed beams—while renovating the two-story brick structure. The first floor would contain two commercial/flex spaces including an event center; the second floor would be renovated into 10 apartments.

Antonucci said the parcel is approximately 5.26 acres and the building footprint is about 5,000 square feet per floor (roughly 10,000 square feet total). The property has been vacant since October 2019 and was listed on the city's vacant building registry; the petitioner has begun exterior work including painting and plans to replace windows and exterior doors.

Goodyear Heights neighborhood concerns were raised by Ward Councilor Connor, who drove the site and reported debris, clothing and evidence of people staying around rear stairs and property perimeter. Connor asked the petitioner to ensure the entire property is kept clear of trash and litter during renovation. Planning staff responded that one of the approval conditions requires the property to be kept free of trash and litter during construction.

Other audience members asked about square footage and ownership; planning staff confirmed the parcel area, the building footprint and that the site is privately owned and being redeveloped by the petitioner.

Planning staff and the planning commission recommended conditional approval subject to standard conditions including site cleanup, window and door replacement and other exterior and interior renovations to meet code. No votes were taken in committee; the petitioner was invited to return for the 5 p.m. council session where the committee will make its recommendation to the full council.","Flex Enterprises Lehi seeks conditional-use approval to renovate the former Hotchkiss Elementary (33 Dorcas Avenue) into commercial space and 10 apartments; planning staff and commission recommended approval with conditions including litter control and exterior preservation.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6209667,"Committee considers conditional-use request for vape shop on West Market amid neighborhood opposition",370,2066000,2436000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3734178-bf138f98b2d3e97511e0d917dc8c43b7&start=2066&end=2436","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3734178-bf138f98b2d3e97511e0d917dc8c43b7/thumbnail_2066000.jpg","/articles/6209667/Akron/Summit-County/Ohio/Committee-considers-conditional-use-request-for-vape-shop-on-West-Market-amid-neighborhood-opposition","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6209667-38f0b6e849573f549c7bc3ac3bd80301/orig.mp4?Expires=1771137075&Signature=a~mXVFxQrzNSNNP1a2PilcuqyuVwm4MQxEZ711e4VOHIjb4xGHNcGmQBHyvnBWOCfWUS43C2BblSKu6Rl04LnanyIpwUyrVjLl1aHrStrDUxKYMSRJK39tCVSIKZxCF~o5F11~B6QbJMSVcSKSn~qtX-26xLqZfy-EpLLXpG1zzAzkMbcBj6FhHCXn~09NY5SsYK~xNy0YdQF62FDmUH9Vl8dIWeAnESEl9VjRNpvUSeLuWwcwMiQRRivsR76Kd1sGnQj75YrLFYQHQkAZb3ywPu5Fe20FqeT82AXqbcnvyncZOysM5k0p0k4utF4RaUWiuh1zB~d2VfgIq0bqpKBw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The planning committee heard a conditional-use application from Fly High Enterprises Inc. seeking approval to operate a vape shop at 822 West Market Street. Planning staff and the planning commission recommended disapproval; the committee opened the floor for testimony and extensive council questions about the code definition, buffers and enforcement.

Planning staff said the proposed shop would be within 500 feet of a school and therefore raised concerns, and recommended denial. \"The authorization of this use would encourage unhealthy activities ... and both the planning staff and the planning commission recommend disapproval,\" staff told the committee.

Attorney Jack Morrison, representing the applicant Fly High Enterprises, said the business opened in January 2025 after receiving signage approval and that the lessee had been told by city zoning staff that the location was not within the 2,500-foot restriction tied to another provision. Morrison said his client intended to comply with city law and added that the planning commission had relied on a 500-foot proximity-to-school rationale that is not in the city's current vape-shop ordinance. Morrison asserted the planning commission's denial was based on a restriction not found in the zoning code and described it as \"arbitrary and capricious.\" He urged council to overturn the planning commission and approve the conditional use.

A neighborhood resident, Abigail Drennan, testified in opposition and asked the council to follow the planning staff and commission recommendation. \"Vaping is currently a public-health emergency,\" Drennan said, adding she did not want a business marketing nicotine and hemp-derived products near a school and urged council to decline the application.

Council members pressed staff on technical enforcement questions. Planning staff explained the municipal definition of a vape shop: a store is considered a vape shop if sales of vape or alternative nicotine products and accessories constitute 25% or more of the business's aggregate retail sales, determined by the annual monetary value of products and services. Staff also confirmed the city has a 2,500-foot separation requirement between vape shops and other vape shops under a recently adopted ordinance; the proposed site met that requirement but raised concerns about proximity to a school under the planning commission's interpretation.

Council members discussed enforcement mechanics for the 25% test, and staff said the determination would be made by assessing the annual sales mix (monetary value) for the business. \"It's an analysis of the overall sales,\" planning staff said; staff also cautioned that price differences among product categories could affect a percentage calculation.

Several council members said they wanted clearer code language and stronger enforcement mechanisms. The administration said it is working on revised legislation that would more precisely define vape and smoke-shop activities, and that planning staff had recommended disapproval under current code and guidance. The planning committee took no final vote and invited proponents and opponents to return for the full council session at 5 p.m., when the committee will make a recommendation to the full council.","A conditional-use petition to allow a vape-focused retail store at 822 West Market Street drew public opposition, staff recommendations to deny and extensive council questioning about distance-to-school rules, the 25% sales threshold that defines a vape shop, and enforcement mechanisms.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6209672,"Akron council considers and forwards appointments to Citizens Police Oversight Board",808,8242000,9050000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3734178-bf138f98b2d3e97511e0d917dc8c43b7&start=8242&end=9050","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3734178-bf138f98b2d3e97511e0d917dc8c43b7/thumbnail_8242000.jpg","/articles/6209672/Akron/Summit-County/Ohio/Akron-council-considers-and-forwards-appointments-to-Citizens-Police-Oversight-Board","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6209672-bf3a144dcdfa6b3b388506f26f6a0aa1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771137075&Signature=n8yOHzi7HZBLUiWFmqsHSZHwkwDhZImqLO0mbOjVmI7ad7ZXyaxW6CCsByUCg4nxLhm1FNdVorPseKDe1Yql1MVwZhg~-qMFoZQSeWJ0lZVx4cRz2dcTQLPq7PzFl5UmwO-n4BjrSz52eJlYhy1YfxUmUdXB--RleSkkeTvmx0J6nRdpUWN~uI-KpWBAa4BQmOjNi-oO1Gje0-nUrjGVGCBbIJKM3dRsn7faMKF6xZw18JkiD9W8HRdgF5k93yd8w863inSw7UOyrWEMbPfAf2jODAp7GQRMC0qtwp8KP6kC56sOXZSm1quWeZlbsj5M-CCiuDiDN08lAsduVaH1uA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The rules and public safety committees read and advanced multiple appointments to the Akron Citizens Police Oversight Board, sending each nomination to the full council for final confirmation this evening.

The committee process provided each nominee an opportunity to speak to the committee and to answer questions about qualifications and potential conflicts of interest. Councilors emphasized onboarding continuity for existing members and experience-based diversity for new members.

Donzella (appeared on the record as \"Donzella\") spoke by videoconference after being nominated for reappointment and described her goals for the next term: building board credibility and pursuing charter amendments to clarify the board's role. \"We've had some trials and tribulations, but we've also had some triumphs,\" she said, and added that she would seek \"input from everyone from the city, from the police department, the community, stakeholders within the community\" when proposing changes.

Dr. Juanita Elton, introduced for appointment, emphasized cooperative oversight. Elton noted her 17'plus years of police service and said the board should \"hold the police accountable, but we should not have animus for the police.\" Members noted that Elton's law-enforcement experience and interview responses did not show conflicts of interest.

Christopher Weems and Duane Scribe (both present) spoke about relationship-building and community safety as core board priorities. Weems said he will work to \"help my community\" and to \"build relationships\" across neighborhoods. Scribe described outreach and violence-reduction work in Akron and said he would bring community connections to the board.

Council leaders explained their approach to staggered onboarding. Council President Somerville said council intentionally reappointed at least one experienced board member to provide historical knowledge while adding new members so the board would not be saddled with onboarding four new members at once.

All nominations were moved out of committee under suspension of the rules; the items will be on the council's agenda for confirmation votes tonight.","City council committees read nominations and advanced several candidates to the full council for confirmation to Akron's Citizens Police Oversight Board; nominees included current board members and community candidates with law-enforcement and civic backgrounds.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6209675,"Akron committee backs mayor's plan to hire outside review of police use-of-force policies",2592,5568000,8160000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3734178-bf138f98b2d3e97511e0d917dc8c43b7&start=5568&end=8160","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3734178-bf138f98b2d3e97511e0d917dc8c43b7/thumbnail_5568000.jpg","/articles/6209675/Akron/Summit-County/Ohio/Akron-committee-backs-mayors-plan-to-hire-outside-review-of-police-use-of-force-policies","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6209675-3876563140afd4866125109bbf66aae2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771137075&Signature=ncIRpHErxmzwuS5mc-2MTZzhWOr8N7NUfLBnFI7YA7fHA0rho9jWsz8pv1x-e-o0RfteTYoUf0iMJz4H0pjBudHFsJeUohGMIlWBbH5LmxfHXFHCs9uP6TgzFfj58UATafS9yaRVWfCN3RkWhcEQ2QHKjJs9zY2~oaqSWrfg1lSycapRdszWeE29ubW09F9Ob8i-w4AVsLEdC1CK6t03KwgYieUpZz5OESMzK7W1pRKZqJ4wV9f7BRMTGO8srsiNGdXaIFUfi4akcptgJs8bc93N5sXWcKnLZrHy1nbDiIjBxcrTLjvIaKTXZ~lpniwBhMJCiVyCp01~6JrWB-xRDQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Akron's public safety committee approved sending to the full City Council an ordinance authorizing the mayor to request proposals and enter contracts for an outside comprehensive review of the Akron Police Department's use-of-force policy and related community engagement, with the committee voting to move the item to the council agenda for a final vote this evening.

The review's supporters said it is a necessary step to clarify standards, improve training and rebuild trust after a series of high-profile deadly encounters. Opponents cited the city's tight finances and said the cost and timing must be constrained.

Mayor Mollick, who attended the committee meeting, framed the proposal as part of a broader effort to improve both department policy and community relations. \"This is an important issue,\" he said. \"We owe it to our community, we owe it to our organization, we owe it to the active police department ... to have the best possible policies, the best possible training, the best possible approach to those encounters.\" He also said the police auditor's office recommended the review.

Council members debated several topics during more than an hour of discussion: whether state guidance (the Ohio Task Force on Community-Police Relations and the Ohio Collaborative) already provides adequate standards; the proposed vendor-selection process; potential local partners; how long the review would take; and what city funds would be used.

Several council members who supported the review said local data showing numerous lethal incidents in Akron require an independent look. Councilwoman Linda Mobian said the review was justified by the pattern of shootings and other fatalities: \"...we have had too many killings of Black men and boys in this city,\" she said, listing recent names of victims and adding, \"I will support a review of this policy regardless of the dollar amount.\" Councilwoman Garrett echoed that concern and urged the committee to move forward.

Opponents questioned both the timing and the cost. Councilman Kamer said he opposed the measure because of the dollar amount and because he thought the administration was placing too much emphasis on the police department. Councilman McKittrick and others pressed for a local-first procurement approach, asking that the University of Akron and other regional resources be considered and that the RFP process be limited to a defined budget range. The mayor and city staff answered that the ordinance would authorize the mayor to enter contracts after soliciting and reviewing RFP responses; the mayor's office said public proposals would be shared with council and that the administration sought to keep the price point lower than earlier proposals by relying on internal staff and a University of Akron partnership to assist with implementation.

Councilwoman Davis asked about timing; staff said they would issue and evaluate the RFP over roughly 30 to 45 days, and that the chosen vendor's review could take six to nine months depending on scope and public-engagement requirements. A council member asked whether the project would be paid from ARPA funds; the mayor's office replied that this authorization would use general-fund resources.

The committee voted to bring the ordinance to the full council for a vote this evening.

Questions that remain open from the committee debate include the maximum contract amount the mayor may sign without returning to council, the precise cost allocation, and a final timeline for public engagement and report delivery.

The authorization directs the administration to publish an RFP for an independent review of use-of-force policy, to consider proposals, and to enter contracts. The committee did not set a maximum dollar limit in the ordinance language during the meeting; staff representatives said they would return budget details as proposals are received.","A City of Akron committee approved sending to full council a measure authorizing the mayor to solicit proposals and contract for an independent review of the Akron Police Department's use-of-force policies and community engagement practices; the plan drew sharply divided council comment over cost, scope and urgency.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council committee approves transfer of Summit Lake parcel to Let's Grow Akron for community garden

Planning staff recommends approval to convert former Hotchkiss Elementary into mixed-use development

Committee considers conditional-use request for vape shop on West Market amid neighborhood opposition

Akron council considers and forwards appointments to Citizens Police Oversight Board

Akron committee backs mayor's plan to hire outside review of police use-of-force policies