[{"_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",6209647,"mediaKeyId","3734181-dbaf59d87f7c384b3bf514f794120aa3","parentId",3734181,"title","Council refers conditional-use application for Highland Square vape shop after mixed public comment","audioSeconds",909,"startMs",1784365,"endMs",2693445,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3734181-dbaf59d87f7c384b3bf514f794120aa3&start=1784&end=2693","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3734181-dbaf59d87f7c384b3bf514f794120aa3/thumbnail_1784365.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6209647/Akron/Summit-County/Ohio/Council-refers-conditional-use-application-for-Highland-Square-vape-shop-after-mixed-public-comment","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6209647-214e595f02ec6eac308b9ce19a038272/orig.mp4?Expires=1771183367&Signature=D-aGNCDKg8WbTM6ekNa3AGfDcFUol6KKc1pQXkZM-j9Ez-~QH7plpo5pkbn3st2AFn~el05hTkESf6oSnWU9Ylx4AsqMdvZXMdOkEhInVgvZg3i76bvUs~uj9PyRi26XUEC0cvS5IWKfzvJEhXcxQzEJvhu88dgXEhGhLhbq4AnkZS4tyqPuSEhoNOC64kkejJr9JaezrdI3uUw6Em1BRoPUbkGiVcqz5jg3KvWBZkLf4aqo8cTFJLCZHQZSDFm6rNRpLdGqv~O~8vBEqalLrT7WF6bVI~mSL9F-oIvR9NWyRVAvawFBUWqy9IXldP0t~tIP3VlBseMuEIz69NepIA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Akron, OH ","date","2025-06-10T09:51:21Z","article","Akron City Council on June 9 referred a conditional-use application from Fly High Enterprise Inc. seeking to operate a vape shop at 822 West Market Street after a lengthy public hearing that included both supporters and opponents.

Planning staff told council the store would be defined as a vape shop if it sells 25% or greater vape products and that planning staff and the planning commission recommended disapproval, citing concerns including proximity to a school. Planning staff also noted the property is in a retail UPD 5a district and said current code defines a vape shop by the 25% sales threshold; the petitioner’s attorney said the store's current vape product share is believed to be closer to 15% but the petitioner filed the application to be designated a vape store.

Attorney Jack Morrison spoke for the petitioner, Mohammed Trish of Fly High Enterprise Inc., saying the lessee had opened the smoke shop after receiving signage approval and that the business is located in Highland Square among other retail and entertainment businesses. Morrison noted the petitioner believes the store does not exceed the 25% threshold but applied for the conditional-use permit to resolve zoning questions. He said the petitioner confirmed there were no other vape stores within the 2,500-foot registry restriction.

Opponents included Reverend Pamela Pinkney, who said she was \"against any more vape shops being opened in the city of Akron\" and cited health and community concerns. Property owner Rud Judson \"Ted\" Baer II spoke in opposition to perceived political consequences of the shop's presence for future grant requests to improve his longtime movie theater property, and he testified about prior experience renting to similar businesses without problems.

After public comment, Councilman Fusco moved to refer the item. The motion to refer passed with the committee voting to refer; council recorded votes (Kammer: yes; Connor: yes; Boyse: yes; Hannah: abstain) and the item was referred. Council members raised procedural questions about why the business was permitted to open before filing this conditional-use application; planning staff said signage and opening occurred before the vape definition and registry process prompted the conditional-use filing and that the current ordinance treats a store as a vape shop when 25% or more of sales are vape products. Planning staff also noted a moratorium that staff said will be used to review smoke- and vape-related uses going forward.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Akron Council Public Hearing Meeting - 06.09.2025","oneSentenceSummary","Council referred a conditional-use application for Fly High Enterprise Inc.'s proposed vape shop at 822 West Market Street after extended public comment, with planning staff and the planning commission recommending disapproval; council voted to refer the item, with one abstention recorded.","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},6209649,"Council allows six-foot fence at 649 Meglin Avenue after property owner cites topography",267,1491260,1758765,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3734181-dbaf59d87f7c384b3bf514f794120aa3&start=1491&end=1758","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3734181-dbaf59d87f7c384b3bf514f794120aa3/thumbnail_1491260.jpg","/articles/6209649/Akron/Summit-County/Ohio/Council-allows-six-foot-fence-at-649-Meglin-Avenue-after-property-owner-cites-topography","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6209649-21f53f61d468df07e93f9ee3b19eb8bb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771183367&Signature=CR49Rc4HD~JykaMHK8UP4VAbSCgcVckFE9Tu9E10gaMi3aRMMw0IzeavexsLbB6iyLlPyDT-e7eB6lPBRUP7efgEIUDmY4Yns~ikWjjDxKSWpIHO8nbyIt~WKK5h7gEH4pIUd6cDoUnYx~hGijaz~VLFDGHI1S97KbvF0qwX7N1CGe2kpaSpQp5OUuV7C898TWAgJqg5Y7rzU5Gd0Qu8DBXg6O~q87sjo071ipBg01ozxMt0Mcj0FO-FkQfqkZX9IqMsl4C79ViuspsmSKtD48SistyFoftbaKr0DGbOLmjUkvIJD7M7f83hOJh1tndMmU7OCS2WB9UG0trx7aVUxg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Akron City Council on June 9 approved a conditional use permit allowing a six-foot solid fence at 649 Meglin Avenue, voting 13-0 after a favorable committee report and suspension of the rules.

Planning staff described the proposal by petitioner Jeremy Thacker for a white vinyl fence running from the southwest corner of the dwelling to the Eagle Nest property line, with a 24-foot section of black aluminum fence along Eagle Nest connecting to a future patio. Staff said the rear yard is wooded and slopes toward a ravine, creating a hardship that makes the side yard the only logical enclosed outdoor space.

Thacker told council the fence would allow his pets to exercise safely and the black-aluminum section would preserve sight lines for two neighboring properties. Planning staff and the planning commission recommended approval subject to conditions.

Councilman Fusco moved for a favorable committee report with suspension of the rules; the council suspended the rules and approved the ordinance 13-0. The transcript records general planning support and the department's recommendation; no city-funded assistance for fence maintenance or remediation was promised on the record.","A conditional use to build a six-foot solid fence up to the Eagle Nest Avenue right of way at 649 Meglin Avenue was approved unanimously after the petitioner said the lot's topography made the proposed side yard the only usable outdoor space.",{"_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},6209651,"Council approves reestablishment of four-unit apartment at Kenmore property",301,1161065,1462215,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3734181-dbaf59d87f7c384b3bf514f794120aa3&start=1161&end=1462","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3734181-dbaf59d87f7c384b3bf514f794120aa3/thumbnail_1161065.jpg","/articles/6209651/Akron/Summit-County/Ohio/Council-approves-reestablishment-of-four-unit-apartment-at-Kenmore-property","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6209651-4dc11844f580bab0b064b70047f97026/orig.mp4?Expires=1771183367&Signature=OiaxJF0STq9bmVKahVD5OzKdBN1kzoSISLRN8qisXkl2k-GijMRnlv2cApYIiWK8-Xwop29QqDy8Vb8KlVDthpAUYI~ahBX2l168a0Y8cMr8oiRmmyk3ibjaClNg2mnm8d9KQIBhoN~-sqlZ0LTe15FgFeZbCZOoaZoL-MHBVsUehhItCR063JyCLxdMb-sr6QyZiVcPDZPzwxv70AkrCzVM1Xex6dw~6Jmju0AtR6UGrfbMgtmQ8g~DuNb0R346b-H~qlwnHPgXcL7~0Gv-5vq1DQyJdAxNI8iFn7wlQNPlbw2qHB7Y-DtZQ0Ipk3CKed3Wls-ocE0RzpVDqxQGgA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Akron City Council on June 9 approved a conditional use allowing Trojan Investment Group LLC to legally establish a four-unit apartment house at 2340–2342 Seventeenth Street SW in the Kenmore area, voting 13-0.

Planning staff reported the 2,592-square-foot structure was built in 1920, annexed into the city in 1929, and had been used as a four-unit apartment as far back as the 1950s. The petitioner purchased the property in August 2024 and completed interior and exterior rehabilitation, including new windows, flooring, counters and cabinets, appliances and updated electrical work. The city's housing division lifted orders for exterior violations; the interior will still require housing division inspection and rental registration.

Petitioner supporter Luke Havrilick spoke in favor, saying the project would provide affordable housing and reduce crime and loitering. Reverend Pamela Pinkney, who described personal experience with homelessness, urged the petitioner and city to coordinate with social-service and mental-health agencies so tenants have access to needed supports.

Council held a favorable committee report with suspension of the rules; the committee recommended approval and the council adopted the measure 13-0. Planning staff and the planning commission recommended approval subject to conditions and inspections prior to occupancy.","Council granted a conditional use permitting a rehabilitated 4-unit apartment house at 2340–2342 Seventeenth Street SW in Kenmore after the petitioner rehabilitated the building and the housing division lifted exterior violation orders; planning staff recommended approval.",{"_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},6209652,"Council approves conditional use for digital billboard along I-76 at Englewood Avenue",291,835710,1127365,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3734181-dbaf59d87f7c384b3bf514f794120aa3&start=835&end=1127","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3734181-dbaf59d87f7c384b3bf514f794120aa3/thumbnail_835710.jpg","/articles/6209652/Akron/Summit-County/Ohio/Council-approves-conditional-use-for-digital-billboard-along-I-76-at-Englewood-Avenue","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6209652-be311649ef0f79d8574e45fd52cf9e92/orig.mp4?Expires=1771183367&Signature=b~caErPhd-G3kMjOeZpjnYMO0Vmm4MxhW-9Aldjc1a1-3DV2adw2YmRCuCwDjDxDc-01D1jX37JLb-AroH~IjnmKO95EhActyiMHwtpNnSCItRD4QjzteClJqto6ulXpaf7hAcaBgV36wwnZ1KFiMVXE-6DC~TGbVLBFPuakDzw9uw6ospHgLHLjcoPJkVgOnjsTbdk3bsxTj52WFW28WND7wiHlQO1obDWZFHZYQ2KJ34v~Vo9eRBqmUuLQ6ql79IqkWTFOWlOE6OVtv1X8qpw7RVb84sACkwJPycb6szwe-dBaXnusP4rBJiXYS0C82lTibC~1EFOUVG~bjptKww__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Akron City Council on June 9 approved a conditional use ordinance allowing Vee Outdoor Advertising to install a digital double-sided billboard on property at I-76 and Englewood Avenue, voting 12-0 after suspending the rules.

City planning staff described a V-shaped double-sided billboard with two digital panels, each measuring 48 by 14 feet (672 square feet total) supported on a steel monopole that would reach about 55 feet above ground; the base elevation would be approximately 11 feet below the interstate surface. Staff said required minimum setbacks of 15 feet could be achieved and that the proposed height was comparable to other recently approved displays in the area.

David Yale of Vee Outdoor Advertising told council he brings \"40 years of experience to the outdoor advertising industry\" and offered to donate space for city messaging if the city had content it wanted to display. Planner Antonucci said the digital display would comply with national lighting requirements and that its placement \"would not be out of character with retail and commercial uses\" permitted under the property's UPD 11 zoning. Planning staff and the planning commission recommended approval subject to conditions.

Reverend Pamela Pinkney spoke in favor and urged advertising be used to \"promote nonviolence and some, positive images for the community.\" Councilman Fusco moved for a favorable committee report with suspension of the rules; the council suspended the rules and approved the ordinance 12-0.

The project notice was advertised in the Akron Beacon Journal on May 24 and posted on the council website beginning May 21. Specific permit conditions, lighting controls, or a schedule for installation were not described in detail on the record.","Akron City Council approved a conditional use to install a double-sided digital outdoor advertising display near I-76 and Englewood Avenue after a favorable planning recommendation; planning staff stressed compliance with lighting and setback standards.",{"_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},6209653,"Council approves conditional use to convert Hotchkiss Elementary into mixed-use complex",310,465505,776000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3734181-dbaf59d87f7c384b3bf514f794120aa3&start=465&end=776","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3734181-dbaf59d87f7c384b3bf514f794120aa3/thumbnail_465505.jpg","/articles/6209653/Akron/Summit-County/Ohio/Council-approves-conditional-use-to-convert-Hotchkiss-Elementary-into-mixed-use-complex","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6209653-3e9c414e3827e3bb75f3b6952aa1a644/orig.mp4?Expires=1771183367&Signature=KohzWChGaFwZ4JcrOercudGZcrwr6HtZcr2fqIwYZxh2SDb8uiB6rBm8QEy4hEu2fANEE72aMAdrz8Or853T-hu8qF7YPYhKxxvw2sgeCFWw9HxMJI6z~uwubVRXwEc4KlUNRqsGznLwBVC1lKeN5l05-cRFem7Bv37rmeEEWuBZkN8MkIkwTgS~WuhHu0nNe6ZoyD8oht32EuLMHv8FavLn5mzUfwdNWxunDD8afbAXw64s6-WA5vDpyWFN2wKzn3swR8itXeDCbXEGdX7F14yHPMHTDQjDAAahCyijuuMXQVV~cSkYvaaVnEYFCzyTclEST-hrpYbkNCRRqE79qw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Akron City Council on June 9 approved an ordinance authorizing a conditional use to convert the former Hotchkiss Elementary at 33 Dorcas Avenue into a mixed-use development, voting 12-0 after suspending council rules.

The project, proposed by Flex Enterprises LLC, would retain the school's architectural character while creating two commercial spaces on the first floor and 10 apartments on the second floor. Planning staff and the planning commission recommended approval subject to conditions.

The petitioner, Hassan Anderson, said Flex Enterprises seeks \"to bring new life into long vacant Hotchkiss Elementary School, converting it into a productive mixed use space that benefits both the community and local economy.\" Anderson told council the business has operated in the community for more than a decade and that his firm would occupy a commercial unit to provide services and vocational support to individuals with developmental disabilities.

An Akron planning department representative, Mr. Antonucci, told council the two-story brick structure sits \"approximately 100 feet east of the Dorcas Avenue right of way\" and that the redevelopment would preserve features including \"grand entryways, arched windows, hardwood floors, and exposed beams.\" He said the first floor would be divided into two commercial areas for flexible office and retail uses, including an event center, and the second floor would be renovated into 10 modern apartments. Antonucci reported the building has been on the city's vacant building registry and that exterior painting and other preliminary work have been done.

Reverend Pamela Pinkney spoke in favor and urged that the project's operators partner with homeless initiatives and employment agencies so that local residents could access jobs and services. \"I would ask that the minds, and the, the visionary for this would partner with, the homeless initiatives as well as employment agencies,\" Pinkney said.

Councilman Fusco moved for a favorable committee report with suspension of the rules; the council suspended the rules, adopted the committee report as favorable, and the ordinance passed 12-0.

The planning staff characterized the rehabilitation as consistent with the Land Use and Development Guide Plan and the Eastgate Urban Renewal Area Plan by promoting a mix of housing types and encouraging redevelopment of older neighborhood business districts. The ordinance was advertised in the Akron Beacon Journal on May 24 and posted on the council website beginning May 21.

Next steps: the ordinance was approved at the special meeting; any conditions imposed by planning staff or required inspections at occupancy were not detailed on the record.","Akron City Council voted unanimously to authorize a conditional use permitting a mixed-use redevelopment of the former Hotchkiss Elementary at 33 Dorcas Ave, converting the two-story building into two commercial spaces and 10 apartments; planning staff recommended approval subject to conditions.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council refers conditional-use application for Highland Square vape shop after mixed public comment

Council allows six-foot fence at 649 Meglin Avenue after property owner cites topography

Council approves reestablishment of four-unit apartment at Kenmore property

Council approves conditional use for digital billboard along I-76 at Englewood Avenue

Council approves conditional use to convert Hotchkiss Elementary into mixed-use complex