Neighbors, Tallmadge mayor urge Akron Council to reject proposed Eastwood tactical training facility

During the public comment portion of the Akron City Council meeting, multiple residents urged council members to oppose a proposed defensive/tactical training facility at 1928 Eastwood Avenue that would be adjacent to Metro Parks and neighborhood recreation spaces.

A resident who identified herself as Becky said she owns a home near the site and asked council to consider the facility’s proximity to Eastwood Pool, nearby baseball fields and houses. She warned that training with firearms, dogs or other equipment near children could create safety risks and said the facility would reduce property values and not be “cohesive to that neighborhood.”

Carol Sislono Kilway, who identified herself as mayor of Tallmadge but spoke as a private resident, said she has lived in the neighborhood for 35 years and described longstanding wildlife and park uses that she said would be harmed. She asked council to deny the conditional-use request for the defensive education training facility.

Reverend John Beatty, another speaker during public comment, criticized what he described as increasing police militarization and urged residents to engage in civic protest and contact federal lawmakers; his remarks invoked broader national concerns rather than technical land-use details.

Council members thanked the commenters and moved on to the consent agenda. No conditional-use decision was taken at the meeting; the project remained a topic for planning and permit review.

The council’s public record includes written comments referenced by speakers and on-site residents attending the meeting.