Akron’s public safety committee voted to object to the renewal application of a class D liquor permit for the premises at 1800 Merriman Road and to request a hearing before the Ohio Division of Liquor Control.

Chief prosecutor Craig Morgan told the committee the property generated roughly 50 calls for service over the past year and that the quality and severity of incidents increased after the establishment reopened under new management in April. Morgan said the incidents included fights, parking complaints and shots fired; a May 18 shooting at or connected to the premises resulted in a homicide.

Committee members and the neighborhood’s ward councilman said nearby businesses and residents are alarmed. Councilman Bolden said neighborhood businesses have invested in the valley and expressed concern the operation could undermine economic development and safety. Morgan said the city attempted to discuss mitigation measures with the current and new owners but concluded filing an objection was necessary to trigger a Division of Liquor Control hearing. Because council goes into recess, the committee moved to file the objection before September 1 to preserve council’s rights to participate.

The committee suspended the rules and advanced a resolution objecting to the license renewal, and staff said they will transmit the objection to the state’s Division of Liquor Control and pursue the consolidated hearing process.