April 25 Akron Housing Appeals Board meeting
Covered by Documenter Christina Brunson (see her notes here)
In its first gathering since November, the Akron Housing Appeals Board heard 17 cases during its monthly meeting on April 25. Documenter Christina Brunson was on hand to take notes of the proceedings.
Properties with appeals before the board are from multiple neighborhoods, including Northwest Akron, Middlebury, South Akron, the University of Akron area, Goodyear Heights, East Akron and Summit Lake.
For 10 properties, no representative attended to speak to the board regarding these appeals. In nine of the cases, the board voted to demolish the structures.
After a property is ordered demolished, the city holds the file for 30 days in case an appeal is made. If no appeal is received, the property moves to the demolition department, according to Akron Director of Communication Stephanie Marsh.
Inspectors check the property for asbestos and do abatement if needed. They city then adds the property to the demolition list until funding is available to tear it down.
Here’s a list of the properties and outcomes reviewed April 25 in which nobody spoke on behalf of the property:
| Case number | Property address | Neighborhood | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0541 | 94 Jewett St. | Middlebury | Appeal denied |
| 6066 | 1121 Ackley St. | Middlebury | Demolition recommended |
| 6067 | 1158 Duane Ave. | East Akron | Demolition recommended |
| 6070 | 1445 Marcy St. | South Akron | Demolition recommended |
| 6068 | 97 Kent Court | Middlebury | Demolition recommended |
| 6069 | 293 W. Long St. | Summit Lake | Demolition recommended |
| 6072 | Smithfarm Avenue (Parcel #6807306) | Goodyear Heights | Demolition recommended |
| 6073 | 1057 Raymond St. | Sherbondy Hill | Demolition recommended |
| 6074 | 1041 Fairbanks Place | Middlebury | Demolition recommended |
| 6075 | 2109 6th St. SW | Kenmore | Demolition recommended |
Download this table here.
More time for repairs given to five properties
For the remaining seven properties, owners attended the meeting and talked with the board. The board gave five of the property owners 30- or 60-day extensions to make the required repairs. Two appeals were denied.
Here’s a list of those properties and outcomes:
Case number Property address Neighborhood Property owner Outcome 0540 2102 Smith St. Northwest Akron Larry Jenco Appeal denied 6055 254 McGowan St. Middlebury Clifford Milbry 30-day extension 6071 901 Sherman St. South Akron Kimberly Robinson 30-day extension 6031 501 Beacon St. University of Akron area Topstone Investment represented by: Joe McCracken (Attorney) 60-day extension 6037 324 Union St. Middlebury David Baughman 30-day extension 0542 308 Para Ave. Goodyear Heights Jeff White Appeal denied 6053 765 Euclid Ave. West Akron Beverly Lomax (Wife of Reginald Lomax) 60-day extension
Download this table here.
Housing board comes together after delay
The Housing Appeals Board is made up of Akron residents appointed by the mayor with the consent of City Council, according to the board’s website.
Members review two types of cases sent from the Department of Neighborhood Assistance Housing Compliance Division: residential properties that the division recommends for demolition and appeals of Environmental Health Housing Code orders.
The 10-member board has canceled multiple meetings this year due to lack of a quorum.
After rejecting an appointee by Mayor Shammas Malik in February, City Council on April 15 approved six appointees (including Alyssa Figueroa, who was originally removed from consideration.)
“We want to make sure the board has enough members so they can continue to do the city’s business,” Council President Margo Sommerville said in February during the council meeting where Figuero was removed from consideration.
