Planning committee moves Roaming Road sale to Airless Tire Systems onto consent agenda

The Planning and Economic Development Committee on Wednesday placed on the consent agenda an ordinance to authorize sale of vacant city property on Roaming Road (Parcel 68-59904) to Panel Communications LLC, doing business as Airless Tire Systems.

Chair said the item included a declaration that the property is not needed for public use and an emergency clause. Sean Volman, introduced by the chair, described the company and the proposed project: "They make, tires without air in them," Volman said, adding the firm plans about a 50,000-square-foot expansion, "about a 4 and a half million dollar project," and expects to hire "probably four additional full-time employees." Volman said the parcel is two acres, with one acre developable, and staff proposed pricing of $25,000 for the developable parcel and $10,000 for the non-developable portion (a $35,000 total price).

Council members asked whether the expansion would begin this year; Volman said the company was "ready to roll as soon as they can." A councilwoman who spoke in support said she met the owner and called the business "one of a kind in the U.S.," praising the decision to locate in Akron's Ward 9 and noting potential tax revenue and development benefits.

After discussion, a committee member moved to place the ordinance on the consent agenda; the motion was seconded and the chair called for 'all in favor.' Ayes were recorded and the item was placed on the consent agenda; no formal roll-call tally was recorded in the transcript.

The committee did not take a final adoption vote on the ordinance during the meeting; the item will appear on the consent agenda for the full council or a subsequent meeting.