Council approves static billboard at 800 Flora Avenue after staff clarifies lighting study applies to the digital proposal

Akron City Council voted 12–0 Monday to approve a conditional use permit for a static outdoor advertising display at 800 Flora Avenue.

Mister Antonucci, a city staff member, told council the proposal calls for a double‑sided, V‑shaped, externally illuminated static billboard supported by a steel monopole. Each static face was described as 48 feet by 14 feet (672 square feet). The application noted the display would be sited about 57 feet west of the east end of the lot and centered north to south. Both planning staff and the Planning Commission recommended approval subject to conditions.

Dan Nielsen, the applicant who said he purchased the property several months earlier, described the static sign as "just like a poster" that would change "once every 6 months to a year." Nielsen said the static option was chosen so the sign would be less intrusive to nearby residences; he said residences were "roughly 250 feet" away. Councilwoman Tina Boyse asked if the lighting study submitted earlier for a digital sign also applied to the static sign; Nielsen and staff clarified that "that light study only applies to the digital one," and the static sign would use 300‑watt external fixtures and produce even less light.

Councilman Fusco pulled the committee for a favorable report, and council voted to pass the ordinance 12–0.

Application materials were advertised in the Akron Beacon Journal and posted on the council website. Conditions recommended by planning staff and the Planning Commission will be attached to the permit.