Akron council committee reviews 2026 capital plan; Stubb’s police‑HQ design money and housing items draw scrutiny
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Summary
During a multi‑hour Jan. 15 capital budget review, Akron officials detailed transportation, parks, public facilities and housing investments, including a $2 million design allocation for Stubb’s as a proposed police headquarters, questions about a $255,000 police equipment line and council calls to restore $68,000 in homeless shelter funding.
Akron council members and city staff reviewed the proposed 2026 capital budget line by line on Jan. 15, discussing transportation projects, parks and recreation investments, public‑facility repairs and housing programs. Several items prompted follow‑up requests and some member concern, particularly a $2,000,000 allocation for the first design phase of the Stubb’s building as the police headquarters and increases in police equipment lines.
Engineer Chris Janki opened the transportation portion, detailing projects that include 84 new curb ramps and mid‑block crossings on East Cuyahoga Falls Avenue (80% ODOT grant), Home Avenue full‑depth pavement reconstruction (mid‑2026), and a Howard‑Glenwood intersection safety study that has repeatedly ranked high on crash lists. Janki said the study will examine options — including roundabouts and signals — and evaluate slope and sight‑distance constraints.
Parks and recreation staff presented a proposed $6,178,000 capital investment plan covering 162 city parks, the Rubber City Heritage Trail phase 2, community center HVAC and lighting work, an Elizabeth Park splash pad restroom and esports rooms at two community centers. Staff said the $1,000,000 annual sidewalk program is now sufficiently funded to reduce backlog substantially by late 2025.
Public facilities and airport projects were highlighted next: airport fuel‑farm and taxiway projects are contingent on ODOT/FAA grants, Canal Park stadium roof replacement is planned and the city will continue replacement of lifts, vehicles and other capital equipment across departments.
On the municipal building portfolio, staff confirmed Stubb’s building will be used for police headquarters design work; Brandon Wilson and other members asked for an estimate of total expected costs. Staff said $2,000,000 in general‑obligation debt was included to fund the first phase of design work after the mayor selected Stubb’s as the preferred site and that earlier elevator repair funds were rolled forward from the Akron Safety Center fund.
Police‑related line items drew scrutiny. Staff listed $255,000 for police gear (body armor and replacement equipment including a long‑gun program) and $453,000 for the annual body‑worn camera contract; councilmembers asked for contract breakdowns and noted community concern about long‑gun purchases. Fran Wilson said, “I have concerns,” and requested detailed itemizations and forthcoming legislation to be provided for public review.
In housing and community development, staff cautioned that many items depend on federal Community Development Block Grant and other federal allocations; they said the city will offer more specificity in the consolidated plan update. Councilmember Linda Mobian urged restoring $68,000 in the homeless‑shelter line so the city’s allocation would match prior years. Mobian cited local data and equity concerns and asked administration to advocate to fill the funding gap.
Members also raised tiny‑home solutions for people exiting incarceration and other vulnerable populations; staff said the city released an RFP with up to $2,000,000 available for projects serving people who have experienced homelessness and will consider innovative proposals, including tiny‑home models, submitted by developers and nonprofit partners.
Staff closed the session by scheduling a public hearing on Jan. 26 to review the capital budget, follow‑up Q&A Feb. 2, and a substitute amendment targeted for Feb. 9 to move the budget to final adoption.
