Akron City Council on Monday approved an ordinance authorizing a conditional use to construct a dual‑use marijuana dispensary at 1956 West Market Street, passing the measure 10‑3 after a public hearing that drew a string of residents and small‑business owners who urged the council to reject the proposal.

The vote came after the council considered a staff presentation and testimony from the petitioner, neighborhood business owners and multiple residents. Councilman Mike Fusco moved to pull the committee report and to suspend the rules for a favorable report; the motion passed and the ordinance passed on roll call 10 in favor, 3 opposed.

The petition was presented by Pete Nish, a representative of Tanger Tango Ventures and Clutch Cannabis, who described the proposed one‑story, 2,480‑square‑foot building set flush with the West Market Street sidewalk. "Traffic is gonna be low," Nish said, saying the company expects about 100 to 120 transactions a day, that 50 to 60 percent of orders would be fulfilled via online preorders and that average customer visits would take five to 10 minutes. He said the site would provide 22 on‑site parking spaces plus about 10 overflow spaces; the city code requires 13.

Nish outlined security and operational measures he said exceed typical pharmacy standards: on‑site security staff whenever open, 24/7 overlapping HD camera coverage with bank‑teller angles on points of sale, cloud storage of footage for at least 45 days accessible by the Division of Cannabis Control, controlled access, silent and audible alarms and third‑party monitoring. "This security apparatus scheme is state approved," he told council. He also cited community benefits including local jobs — he said the company employs more than 300 people statewide and expects to add about 15 jobs at this location — and tax revenue routed through the host community fund.

Multiple residents and business owners opposed the location, citing traffic, safety and the effect on existing small businesses. Regina Milan, owner of Pink Petals at the nearby strip, said deliveries and customer access use the same alley the petitioner proposed gating and that the proposed gate could harm her business. "I only have two parking spots because of all of this," Milan said, and she asked the council to consider other uses for the parcel.

Reverend John Beatty and other opponents highlighted neighborhood vulnerability, the presence of bus stops and senior housing, and concerns about the product's effects on young people. Gwendolynelle Holland, a resident who uses the corner bus stop, said the community was not adequately notified and urged the council to consider the neighborhood's seniors and pedestrians.

Supporters of the project included Matt Miller, president of LRC Realty, the owner of the parcel under contract, who said the use would be less traffic‑intensive than many restaurants or drive‑throughs that had been considered for the site. Several council members said they had weighed resident concerns against staff reviews. Planning staff and the planning commission had recommended approval subject to conditions after reviewing parking, traffic and buffering measures.

Council debate reflected the split in the room. Councilman Bolden and Councilwoman Amobian said they would vote no, citing traffic and neighborhood fit; Amobian said, "I did vote for the legislation, but I do not want a dispensary in that area." Councilman Lombardo, Councilman Fusco and others cited the applicant's security plans and the property's longstanding availability for retail use.

The ordinance does not include an effective or opening date in the hearing record; the council's action was on land use authorization. The petitioner said additional local licensing, state approvals and operational conditions must be met before opening.

The public hearing concluded and the council recessed to its regular session at 6:30 p.m.