Note to readers:
The following item is a written record of the Housing Appeals Board meeting from Aug. 20, compiled by Akron Documenter Jessica Rice. It is not a reported story.
Documenters are residents who are trained to observe and document local government meetings. Their notes are edited before publication for clarity and accuracy — unless quotation marks are used, all text is paraphrased.
If you believe anything in these notes is inaccurate, please email us at documenters@signalakron.org with "Correction Request" in the subject line.
Summary
- Nine homes were discussed during the Akron Housing Appeals Board Aug. 20 meeting. The board approved the vote to demolish seven and gave extensions to allow for repairs to two others.
- Concerns were raised about demolishing homes that are owned by out-of-state corporations and who is responsible for covering the costs.
- Alyssa Figueroa has resigned from her position on the Housing Appeals Board, and they are working with Mayor Shammas Malik to fill the position.
Documenter’s follow-up questions
- During the meeting, the issue of having a permit to install a hot water heater was discussed. How hard is it to get a work permit? How long does it take? How much does it cost?
- Why is the city tearing down so many properties instead of helping the existing homeowners rehabilitate their homes?
- When a homeowner dies without heirs, can the city take ownership and sell the home instead of tearing it down?
The Housing Appeals Board meeting was held in City Council Chambers in the Municipal Building, 166 S. High St. and followed the agenda that is available online.
The five members of the board present were LaNeita Jones, Kathy Wilkins, Barb Waress, Julie-Ann Sweet-Buntin and Doug Powley. Six city officials and staff were present, including Housing Administrator Duane Groeger and Housing Supervisor Jodie Forester, who introduced the cases. Of the eight people in the public gallery, five spoke to the board about their properties.
The meeting began at 9 a.m. with the approval of the minutes from the July 16 meeting. Waress then read the rules of the court, explaining the process for property owners to express their concerns, and had five people swear to the court that their testimony would be truthful.
Board grants extensions to two houses
Goodyear Heights home completes some repairs, more to come
Case #6220 – 1579 Norledge Road in Goodyear Heights: Claudia Scott spoke about completing repairs to the home and provided copies of a list of the work that still needs to be completed. She said that she has paid the entire tax bill and plans to live in the house once repairs are completed. The board said she will need a permit to install the new furnace and water heater based on the 2024 Residential Code of Ohio and approved a 60-day extension.
Northwest Akron property needs rehabbed
Case #6188 – 601 Treeside Drive in Northwest Akron: Two representatives with Vista Home Buyers LLC told the board that they were unaware that this property was in jeopardy prior to buying it because it was an off-market sale. They provided documents that listed the needed repairs and plans to rehabilitate the home and sell it. A neighbor said she wanted to speak about the issues in the home and had been unable to reach the original owners. She was unaware of the sale and is glad to see that someone has bought the property and is fixing it up. The board approved a 30-day extension to begin the first phase of renovations.
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7 Akron houses slated for demolition
South Akron homeowner dies, neighbor shares concerns
Case #6216 – 816 Brown St. in South Akron: A neighbor spoke about the dilapidated condition of this house and asked that it be demolished. The original homeowner has passed away, and the house is now attracting vagrants and rodents. The board agreed with his request and said their order can still be appealed for 30 days. After that time, the house will be scheduled for demolition.
Summit Lake houses
Case #6215 – 130 Bachtel Ave. in Summit Lake: The condition of this location is non-compliant with the housing codes. It was vacant, found open and heavily damaged. A recommendation to demolish was approved.
Case #6221 – 328 Theodore St. in Summit Lake: The condition of this location is non-compliant with the housing codes, and a recommendation to demolish was approved.
East Akron house
Case #6217 – 1355 Hart St. in East Akron: The condition of this location is non-compliant with the housing codes, and a recommendation to demolish was approved.
South Akron houses
Case #6219 – 1311 Moore St. in South Akron. The condition of this location is non-compliant with the housing codes, and a recommendation to demolish was approved.
Case #6218 – 795 Koons Court in South Akron. The condition of this location is non-compliant with the housing codes, and a recommendation to demolish was voted upon and approved.
Sweet-Buntin said many of these homeowners have passed away and asked why the probate court isn’t required to do anything. City officials said there are families that do not file estate claims. There are no city requirements or city law that requires this to be done.
Suggested Reading
Sherbondy Hill waiver case heard, demolition approved
Case #6222 – 506 Campbell St. in Sherbondy Hill: The owner of this property submitted an application for building demolition. This is a signed document stating that the property owner approves the demolition. It says they understand that utilities must be disconnected and accept responsibility for the demolition. It authorizes the contractor to perform the work. This affidavit is required for all demolition permits in Summit County.
Four board members voted yes for the demolition. Sweet-Buntin voted no. She said the house is owned by a company and they should be responsible for the costs.
City saves money with voluntary demolitions
Groeger said once the costs are assessed, the owner would be responsible for the balance as part of the property taxes. For properties owned by corporations, the waiver will cover up to $10,000 in demolition costs.
Sweet-Buntin reiterated that she voted no because it is wrong to allow an out-of-state corporate entity to benefit from the city. She said other houses need to be torn down but owners can’t afford to do that.
Groeger said in previous years, waiver demolitions were scheduled without letting the board know. People would sell the home without telling the new owners that the house is scheduled for demolition. Now that these cases are brought before the board. Part of the cost can be covered by the federal government, which reduces the cost to the city.
“I just still think it’s crazy that we’re spending money,” Sweet-Buntin said.
Groeger said the city gets a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) from HUD every year to cover the costs, so it saves the city money when the homeowner voluntarily permits the demolition.
A board member asked if the city goes after the property owners for the costs.
Groeger said the housing code has no mechanism for the city to go after owners for demolition costs other than the assessment.
A closer look at South Akron
Board has opening after Figueroa resigns.
Groeger said Alyssa Figueroa has resigned from the board, and he is working with the mayor’s office to identify candidates for the position. Figueroa’s appointment in 2024 to the board was originally contested by City Council members following review of a handful of YouTube videos she posted on local issues. Her appointment was ultimately approved.
The meeting lasted ended at 10:14 a.m. The next meeting will be held at this location at 9 a.m. on Sept. 17.
