Council approves conditional use for digital billboard along I-76 at Englewood Avenue

Akron City Council on June 9 approved a conditional use ordinance allowing Vee Outdoor Advertising to install a digital double-sided billboard on property at I-76 and Englewood Avenue, voting 12-0 after suspending the rules.

City planning staff described a V-shaped double-sided billboard with two digital panels, each measuring 48 by 14 feet (672 square feet total) supported on a steel monopole that would reach about 55 feet above ground; the base elevation would be approximately 11 feet below the interstate surface. Staff said required minimum setbacks of 15 feet could be achieved and that the proposed height was comparable to other recently approved displays in the area.

David Yale of Vee Outdoor Advertising told council he brings "40 years of experience to the outdoor advertising industry" and offered to donate space for city messaging if the city had content it wanted to display. Planner Antonucci said the digital display would comply with national lighting requirements and that its placement "would not be out of character with retail and commercial uses" permitted under the property's UPD 11 zoning. Planning staff and the planning commission recommended approval subject to conditions.

Reverend Pamela Pinkney spoke in favor and urged advertising be used to "promote nonviolence and some, positive images for the community." Councilman Fusco moved for a favorable committee report with suspension of the rules; the council suspended the rules and approved the ordinance 12-0.

The project notice was advertised in the Akron Beacon Journal on May 24 and posted on the council website beginning May 21. Specific permit conditions, lighting controls, or a schedule for installation were not described in detail on the record.