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Akron holds public hearing on Commerce Park Drive redevelopment plan
Summary
Planning committee heard from staff and residents on a proposed 8.5-acre Commerce Park Drive redevelopment area that would enable tax-increment financing; committee did not vote and will reconvene at 5 p.m.
The Planning and Economic Development Committee of the Akron City Council held a public hearing on a proposed Commerce Park Drive redevelopment plan that would cover roughly 8.5 acres north of the Home and Evans avenues intersection.
Planning staff described the project area as six parcels that include three commercial buildings, adjacent parking lots and vacant parcels along Commerce Park Drive. Staff said the area is zoned U-5 (ordinary industry) and that the city would not change zoning under the plan; instead, the redevelopment designation would allow the city to use tax-increment financing under provisions of the Ohio Revised Code. The presentation named Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition as having purchased the warehouse at 929 Foam Avenue in August 2024 and said Gordon Food Service operates at 791 Commerce Park Drive. Planning staff recommended approval.
The hearing drew support from residents and community leaders who urged the council to ensure redevelopment yields job opportunities for local residents. Reverend Pamela Pinkney urged city and developers to consider hiring practices that do not bar people with criminal records from employment and to provide training opportunities for students. Councilman Nicholas Lombardo, whose ward includes the area, said he supported the plan and that the redeveloped space would be “utilized very well” and bring jobs to the community.
Committee leadership did not take a vote at the hearing and said the matter will be repeated at a 5 p.m. session when the committee may vote. Planning staff and the planning commission had recommended approval subject to any conditions spelled out in the plan.
The redevelopment plan, as presented, keeps existing industrial zoning, outlines project objectives, and is intended to generate revenue that staff said could assist future development. No final action was taken during the afternoon session; the committee postponed the vote to the evening meeting.
