Ward 3 resident tells council the neighborhood has been ‘‘redlined’’ and asks for more investment

Harrington Hargrove, a Ward 3 resident, told Akron City Council during public comments that his neighborhood has been ‘‘redlined’’ and denied economic development investment for more than 30 years. Hargrove said the city’s four‑year budget totals about $3,183,000,000 and argued that Ward 3 and Black residents have received little of that funding. He cited ARPA allocations and named projects and dollar amounts he said were directed elsewhere, asking, “Is that not racism?” Nut graf: Hargrove urged elected council members to review records and budget allocations for Ward 3 and to increase representation and spending for Black residents and businesses; his remarks were part of the public comment period and prompted no recorded motion or staff direction in the transcript. Hargrove urged council to “rise up and do something for us,” saying he has repeatedly asked council members to support Ward 3 and that private conversations have not yielded results. He listed examples he said reflect spending priorities outside the ward, including ARPA funds tied to specific projects and locations. Discussion versus decision: Hargrove’s remarks were a public comment request for greater investment and representation; the transcript does not show council action or staff direction in response. Ending: The public comment portion ended after Hargrove’s remarks; no formal council follow-up or vote on his issues is recorded in the meeting transcript.