Council approves Harmony House request to add one resident at 799 Stadlman Ave.

Akron City Council voted 11–0 Oct. 20 to authorize a conditional use allowing Harmony House to operate a group home at 799 Stadlman Avenue.

Mr. Antonucci introduced the petition, saying Harmony House purchased the three‑story dwelling in July 2025. The structure, built in 1920, contains six bedrooms and two bathrooms; planning staff and the planning commission recommended approval subject to the conditions discussed in the planning report.

Carla McDay, founder and executive director of Harmony House, described the organization’s services and capacity. She said the nonprofit operates shelter and rapid rehousing beds and that on the previous night it sheltered approximately 34 youth in transitional and emergency shelter beds and supported about 10 youth in rapid rehousing. "We already house 5 unrelated people in 1 house. We're requesting to house 1 more person because we purchased a larger home," McDay said, explaining the group‑home model and the need for additional transitional options.

Public commenters urged community partnerships and supports to help residents transition to stable housing. Council members noted planning‑department support and that the ward council representative also favored approval. Councilman Fusco pulled the committee report for a favorable recommendation, the council suspended the rules and voted to approve the conditional use; the clerk recorded the vote as 11–0 in favor.

Planning staff indicated conditions will apply and that the approval is for the conditional use as presented; any permit or operational compliance will be subject to the city’s standard inspections and code requirements.