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Akron committee backs demolition of Goodrich Middle School, will preserve urban farm corner
Summary
The Public Service Committee recommended suspension of rules and a favorable report for an ordinance to demolish Goodrich Middle School, preserving a corner used as an urban farm and noting the project was in the capital budget and recently bid.
The Public Service Committee recommended suspension of the rules and gave a favorable report on an ordinance authorizing the director of public service to bid and contract for the demolition of Goodrich Middle School.
Chris, the city’s public service director, told the committee the project is in the capital budget and "this will be a complete removal." He said the school was originally constructed in 1930 with additions in 1954 and 1964, and that environmental remediation, removal of asphalt and concrete, and sidewalks are part of the scope. He said the northeast corner currently occupied by an urban farm — identified in committee as Goodrich Farming — will be preserved and left accessible.
Councilman Johnny Hannah praised the move as "a long time coming," asked to be a cosponsor and said neighbors will be "exceedingly glad" the demolition will occur this year. Committee members then moved to suspend the rules and recommended a favorable report; the chair called a voice vote and members answered "Aye." No committee member registered opposition during this item.
The city described the project as a full demolition intended to remove a long‑standing blighted structure in the neighborhood and to leave a small northeast corner to maintain public access to the existing community urban farm. The ordinance as read declares an emergency and would authorize the director of public service or a designee to advertise, bid and execute contracts for the demolition. Committee members did not vote to award demolition contracts in committee; the item was forwarded to the consent agenda after the suspension and favorable recommendation.
Questions from committee included whether other vacant school sites (such as Firestone Park Elementary) were under separate oversight; staff said Firestone remains owned by Akron Public Schools, is being cleared of contents and that economic development has scheduled a site tour with APS. The committee did not discuss detailed contractor pricing in this session.
