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Public commenters urge Akron council to act on policing, street repairs and youth‑sports safety
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Summary
During public comment, multiple residents urged action on police accountability and neighborhood safety: a local activist sought a resolution to protect trans residents, a parent described a drive‑by shooting at Lane Field, and others alleged racial profiling, corruption, and failures to investigate violent crime.
Residents used the council’s public comment period to press the city on a range of safety and accountability issues.
Benjamin (Ben) Gifford of the Akron chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America asked council to consider a drafted resolution calling on Mayor Malek to issue an executive order to deprioritize enforcement of state anti‑trans laws. Gifford cited national health associations and said Akron DSA had gathered about 960 signatures in support. “Trans Akronites need you to vote on it and pass it with urgency,” he told the council.
Gabrielle Massey, a mother and volunteer with the Akron Intercity Soccer League, described a drive‑by shooting at Lane Field on April 23 when “about 15 to 20 rounds” were fired while children practiced. She said some children initially thought the gunfire were fireworks and said the league should be allowed to practice at the safer Copley Road Soccer Complex or be given an alternate, secure practice site.
Several commenters raised policing concerns. Daryl Dean told council that potholes and deteriorating streets are concentrated in Black neighborhoods and accused the Akron Police Department of racial profiling. Robert Grant alleged corruption and bias in prosecutorial and dispatch practices and cited multiple case numbers he said show mischaracterization and failure to pursue child‑endangerment counts; the clerk ended his public comment on time and offered to follow up. Reverend John Beatty urged council to support the oversight committee approved by voters to investigate brutality and corruption. Autumn Riddle criticized use of cameras and alleged surveillance aimed at activists rather than solving violent crime.
Council did not take immediate policy action during the meeting on the public comments but did thank speakers and offered to follow up where appropriate. Speakers frequently asked for investigations, better use of technology to solve murders, and stronger accountability for police conduct.
The public comment segment concluded before the council moved to the consent agenda.
