Public comment at Akron City Council spotlighted tenants’ struggles, data-center water worries and opposition to a proposed training facility

During the public-comment period at Monday’s council meeting, residents raised a range of neighborhood issues from housing to water use.

Quita Macklin said her building has new out-of-town owners who do not live locally and fail to maintain units; she described ceilings collapsing in multiple rooms and said tenants are bounced between agencies (AMHA, Fair Housing, Legal Aid) when seeking help. “Tenants should not have to become legal experts just to get basic answers,” Macklin said, urging stronger oversight of absentee landlords and a more direct path for tenant assistance.

Ted Forsberg, secretary for the Friends of the Summit Metro Parks, asked the council to deny a zoning request for an Eastwood training facility that would include weapons and dog training near Goodyear Metro Park. He said his organization has an easement and said he was not notified; he cited children’s proximity to the proposed range and prior city spending on another gun range.

Austin Quills warned that data centers require substantial fresh water for cooling, urged the city to plan ahead given Akron’s placement near the Great Lakes, and asked council to consider rules to protect local water supplies and small businesses that rely on water, such as specialty coffee roasters.

Tamika Boyd promoted a community youth talent show at the main library and urged neighbors to build supportive networks for children; several other speakers distributed materials or requested follow-up from council.

No formal council action was taken during the public-comment segment; council members thanked speakers and noted follow-up channels and contact points for city services.