Officials reviewed seven Akron homes during the Housing Appeals Board during its March 27 meeting, with four vacant and deteriorated homes ultimately approved for demolition.
Officials found the homes to have multiple unresolved housing code violations. All four properties are vacant. Three are heavily vandalized, one has significant fire damage, and several have been the scene of police activity. Each property is also tax delinquent and unregistered with the city.
They are located in four neighborhoods:
- Sherbondy Hill – 879 Raymond St.
- South Akron – 1315 Andrus St.
- North Hill – 560 Delmar Ave.
- Cascade Valley – 87 W. Glenwood Ave.
Owners not present at meeting
Officials from the Housing Compliance Division described one of the homes as a blighting influence on the neighborhood. No property owners or legal representatives appeared at the meeting to offer updates, request extensions or appeal the demolition orders, leading to unanimous votes by the board to move forward.
One nearby property owner, Donovan Landry, testified in support of the demolition of 879 Raymond St. in Sherbondy Hill, located in Akron’s Ward 3. Landry said the home’s owner is in critical condition in a nursing facility and will not return.
Fire has damaged the property and police have come to the house, which has made it difficult to attract renters or buyers to the neighborhood, Landry said. He described it as a major deterrent to investment and said its continued presence lowers nearby property values. The board voted to move forward with demolition.
The other three homes — 1315 Andrus St. in South Akron, 560 Delmar Ave. in North Hill, and 87 W. Glenwood Ave. in Cascade Valley — were all deemed unsafe and abandoned. Housing officials recommended they be razed with all costs assessed to the property owner. No objections were raised, and the motions passed unanimously.
Once demolition is approved, home owners can file an appeal within 30 days. If none is filed, utilities are disconnected, asbestos inspections take place and demolition is scheduled.
The Housing Appeals Board also discussed leadership changes, since Chair Robin Rohrach resigned at the previous meeting. Co-chair Barb Waress is now serving as acting chair.
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Next Housing Appeals Board public meeting
Residents with concerns or questions may share their opinions at the next board meeting April 24, at 9 a.m. in City Council Chambers on the 3rd floor of the Akron Municipal Building, 166 S. High St.
