Council approves conditional‑use for 1960 West Market Street sign after procedural reprise

Akron City Council narrowly approved an ordinance authorizing a conditional use to install additional signage at 1960 West Market Street after a procedural sequence that included an adverse committee report, a motion to reconsider, and committee‑of‑the‑whole review.

Ward councilperson Bolden argued residents in his ward opposed the oversized pole sign, saying the proposal would replace plans for a flagship investment with “a parking lot next to a 76‑year‑old storefront” and warning the 24‑foot, 32‑square‑foot sign would be out of scale. Councilman Lombardo pushed back, describing the sign as an aesthetic improvement and saying businesses must be accommodated when they invest and create jobs.

The council first recorded an adverse committee report that, if sustained, would have defeated the application. Following questions about a voting error and a successful motion to allow Councilman Hannah to reconsider his vote, the item was taken to committee of the whole. Councilor Lombardo moved for a favorable report in committee; that motion carried 7–6. Returning to full council, the ordinance passed on final roll call by the same margin, 7–6. The clerk recorded the final outcome: “This ordinance passes 7 to 6.”

The debate focused on neighborhood concerns about scale and traffic versus arguments that the sign would revitalize a vacant corner. Council did not amend the sign standards at this meeting; rather it approved the requested conditional use so the applicant can proceed under the terms the body authorized. The committee and subsequent full‑council votes and the procedural motions are reflected in the council’s official roll‑call record.