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Resident urges Akron to address illegal dumping, waterway contamination in Ward 4
Summary
A public commenter reported widespread illegal dumping and waterway contamination in Ward 4 and asked city staff to follow up; Council President Somerville said staff member Chris Leto will be asked to reach out.
During the Akron City Council public comment period, Chief Dominique Mingo urged the city to address what she described as a "huge dumping problem" in Ward 4 and said local waterways are "covered in filth." Mingo said the area is largely farmland and long‑time families are affected.
"We're mainly farmland, old Bessemer farmland," Chief Dominique Mingo said. She described a construction company creating a dumping site near homes and said residents — including children — are being exposed to trash and water contamination. "We need some help over here in Ward 4," she said.
Council President Margo Somerville responded that staff would follow up: "We're gonna make sure that Chris Leto reaches out to you to address the dumping issues," she said. The exchange occurred during the meeting’s public comment period and the council did not take a separate formal action during the session.
Mingo said she will continue to work with the mayor on police reform and thanked community volunteers and the Riverkeepers for cleanup efforts in the area. The council did not map a specific timeline or budget for cleanup during the meeting.
