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Akron council approves Commerce Park Drive redevelopment plan, clears way for TIF use
Summary
Akron City Council voted 11–0 Oct. 20 to adopt an ordinance approving the Commerce Park Drive redevelopment plan. The plan covers about 8.5 acres north of Home Avenue and Evans Avenue, keeps U5 industrial zoning, and enables the city to use tax‑increment financing under state law for future redevelopment and parcel assembly.
Akron City Council voted unanimously Oct. 20 to adopt an ordinance approving the Commerce Park Drive redevelopment plan, which the planning staff and planning commission recommended for approval.
The redevelopment area covers roughly 8.5 acres north of the Home Avenue and Evans Avenue intersection and comprises six parcels with three commercial buildings, adjacent parking and vacant lots along Commerce Park Drive. Planning staff said zoning will remain U5 (ordinary industry) and described the redevelopment plan as a framework that will permit the city to assemble parcels and, where authorized by law, use tax‑increment financing (TIF) to support redevelopment.
Planning staff noted that Ajinomoto Health and Nutrition purchased the warehouse at 929 Home Avenue in August 2024 and plans to construct an addition to that structure, which is located within the redevelopment area. The staff presentation did not propose rezoning; it emphasized project objectives, parcel descriptions and next steps for potential legislation and implementation.
During public comment, Minister Nathan Arons asked for additional ownership details before fully supporting the plan. Reverend Pamela Pena urged the council to ensure redevelopment benefits are inclusive and linked to employment opportunities.
Councilman Fusco pulled the committee report for a favorable recommendation and asked that the rules be suspended for immediate passage. With no objections to suspending the rules, council voted to adopt the ordinance; the clerk recorded the vote as 11–0 in favor.
The ordinance establishes a redevelopment plan and enables use of TIF under provisions of the Ohio Revised Code; staff said further specific legislation or agreements would follow as parcels are assembled and project steps advance.
