The Akron planning committee opened a public hearing on a conditional‑use ordinance that would allow Tango Ventures to build a dual‑use (medical and adult‑use) dispensary operated by Clutch Cannabis at 1956 West Market Street. The planning department read the application; planning staff and the planning commission recommended approval subject to conditions.

Pete Nisht, Clutch Cannabis vice president of compliance and communications, told the committee the company intends a single‑story, 2,480‑square‑foot storefront flush with the West Market sidewalk, and described parking, security and operating plans. “We think West Akron lacks access to safe, compliant, tested, taxed, medical, and adult use cannabis products,” Nisht said. He described a designated delivery area, 22 on‑site parking spaces with 10 overflow spaces secured by agreement, video surveillance, and proposed hours of roughly 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Nisht said Clutch is locally headquartered and plans an investment of “1.5 to $2,000,000” at the site and expects roughly 15 employees at this store. He also cited state oversight by the Division of Cannabis Control, required local annual security inspections by the Akron Police Department, and Metrc seed‑to‑sale inventory tracking.

Property owner Matthew Miller, president of LRC Realty and current owner of 1956 West Market, spoke in favor: “So we are in favor.” A nearby resident, Linda Mobian, spoke in opposition and asked why the business would operate seven days a week and pressed for a formal city traffic study, saying the intersection near Taco Bell and other businesses is “very busy, very congested.”

Council members questioned the petitioner about projected customer counts, tracking for adult‑use sales and odor mitigation; Nisht cited data from Clutch’s existing stores in Canton and Lorraine and described online preorders, scheduled pickup windows and on‑site security. Planning staff told the committee the city traffic engineer reviewed the petitioner’s data and concluded the project’s impact on traffic would be minimal and did not require further study.

Council members expressed mixed views. Councilman Phil Lombardo spoke in favor, highlighting community investment and security plans; Councilman Mark Bolton said many residents in his ward opposed the plan and said he would vote against it. The committee did not vote at the afternoon session; the chair said the planning committee will reconvene at 5:00 p.m. and make a recommendation to full council in favor, against, or to table the item.

The planning commission’s recommendation and the petitioner’s proposed conditions will be part of the record when the committee reconvenes.

The item remains under consideration; the committee will issue a recommendation at its evening session.