May 25 Ward 8 meeting
Covered by Documenter Melanie Mohler (see her notes here)
At the Ward 8 meeting on May 25, residents were joined by city administrators for a debriefing on fiber internet installation throughout Akron.
Director of Public Service Chris Ludle and Sean Vollman, the deputy director of Economic Development, said SiFi Networks, a privately owned telecom company, will install a fiber optic network that provides high-quality, affordable internet to every business and home in the city.
Known locally as Akron Fiber, the network is expected to be operational by 2030.
SiFi Networks previously signed a 30-year contract with the City of Akron; the deal can be renewed for an additional 50 years. Residents will experience minimal disruption as the network is installed, according to officials — trenches for the fiber will be dug and covered the same day, and no roads will close.
Akron fiber optic network to expand choices
Joining the fiber optic network is optional. Once Akron Fiber is operational, residents will also be able to choose from other ISPs with fiber internet, including AT&T, Spectrum and others.
“SiFi Networks plans to invest over $200 million to install, maintain and operate an underground fiber optic network throughout Akron at no cost to the city, enabling citywide digitization while supporting economic growth,” Akron Mayor Shammas Malik said in a press release in March. “In addition, SiFi has agreed to reimburse the City of Akron for costs associated with expediting review of permits during the project.”
New businesses discussed at ward meeting
Residents attending the Ward 8 meeting also learned about new businesses coming to the area. Here’s a recap:
- Aldi, the family-owned discount supermarket chain, submitted permit applications to move into the former Pat Catan’s building at 1886 W. Market St. in Wallhaven. Aldi currently has more than a dozen locations in the Akron area.
- The building that formerly housed a favorite Akron bar, Larry’s Main Entrance, at 1964 W. Market St. in Fairlawn Heights was purchased for $200,000 by Michael’s Family Investments in March according to the Summit County Fiscal Office. No word on what business will open in the location.
- A new restaurant, Stirling, is scheduled to open later this month in Liberty Commons, located in Merriman Valley. The fine dining establishment will be launched by David Glenny, who founded Bricco.