Akron · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Akron public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Leaf Pickup
Akron's yearly leaf collection is shaking things up starting November 9 by ditching the old ward schedules in favor of 48-hour street sign warnings. If you miss the sign, you might miss your chance to get your leaves cleared.
Streetlight Maintenance
Tired of stumbling in the dark? Akron is rolling out a timeline for fixing broken streetlights in Merriman Hills and showing residents how to report dead bulbs.
Streetlight Repairs
Akron residents have been left in the dark for over three years waiting for a simple streetlight fix on Palisades Drive. If you've got a busted light on your block, it's time to learn the proper channels to finally get the city's attention.
River Safety Tool Upgrade
Akron is upgrading its CUYAC real-time river safety tool for the Cuyahoga River to help kayakers and boaters stay out of trouble. It's a quick tech fix to make hitting the water a whole lot safer.
Zoning and Vehicle Storage Restrictions
Property owners debated city zoning rules regarding vehicle storage limits on residential lots, highlighting challenges for large families and vehicle hobbyists.
Cole & Sweitzer Apartment Development
Manuel Smart is proposing to build a new six-unit apartment complex on vacant land at Cole and Sweitzer avenues. The project aims to bring new, modern multi-family housing to South Akron.
Road Safety Infrastructure
Akron just put up new safety posts on Memorial Parkway to protect drivers and pedestrians. If you commute through there, your daily drive is going to feel a bit more secure.
Conditional Use Signage at 1960 W. Market Street
Residents and ward leadership pushed back against a large 24-foot pole sign for a commercial project on West Market Street, arguing it breaks previous commitments and crowds the neighborhood. Supporters argued the business deserves sign approval to support economic growth and aesthetics.
Beekeeping Code Updates
Advocates and county officials spoke in favor of updating Akron's apiary regulations to align with Ohio Department of Agriculture best management practices.
Traffic Safety Initiative
Akron's launching the Safe Streets 4 All initiative and wants your input to make local biking, walking, and driving safer. If you've got thoughts on how to fix sketchy roads in your neighborhood, now is the time to speak up.
717 Credit Union Park Roof Replacement
The city approved a non-bid contract with Amrize Building Envelope LLC to fully replace the roof at 717 Credit Union Park.
Opposition to State Drag Ban (HB 249)
Council passed a resolution opposing Ohio House Bill 249, defending LGBTQ+ rights and expressing support for local residents.
Public Safety and Heat Response
Akron is opening up cooling centers to help everyone beat the dangerous heat wave hitting the area. If your AC is busted or you just need a break from the brutal temps, you can find a safe, air-conditioned spot nearby.
Property Erosion and Drainage Concerns
A resident expressed concern over severe property erosion caused by a municipal storm drain pipe located in a ravine behind a Sandhurst Road property, impacting property lines near the Metro Parks system.
State of the City address
Akron Mayor Shammas Malik just laid out his big plans for the year, focusing on teamwork and tackling local issues together. It's basically the city's roadmap for where your tax dollars and local efforts are actually going.
Wendling Drive Reconstruction and Assessment
Residents on Wendling Drive will see their deteriorated 1970s concrete street reconstructed into an asphalt roadway with new curbs, sidewalks, and storm sewers.
Firestone Park Tennis Court and Playground Improvements
Akron is planning $150,000 in capital improvements to resurface tennis courts and upgrade playground structures at Firestone Park, aided by a possible USTA matching grant.
Stubbs Justice Center Facility Upgrades
The city is modernizing elevators at the Stubbs Justice Center and repurposing an unneeded elevator shaft into a utility chase to improve building efficiency and cooling.
Food Insecurity and Community Food Drive
A representative from the National Association of Letter Carriers spoke about widespread food insecurity in Akron and urged residents to participate in the annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive on May 9.
Cuyahoga Street Storage Facility Improvements
The council advanced design and pre-construction services for wastewater treatment facility upgrades on Cuyahoga Street.
Preservation of Historic Bowen School Building
A resident advocated for the historic preservation and adaptive reuse of the 1916 Bowen School building rather than demolition.
Winter Road Maintenance and Safety
Residents raised concerns that Akron's snow and ice control plan leaves secondary streets unplowed unless residents call 311, creating dangerous black ice conditions.
Regional Job Creation and Tax Sharing MOU
Akron joined 26 Summit County communities in signing an anti-poaching and tax-sharing agreement to prevent destructive municipal competition.