Feb. 27 Housing Appeals Board meeting

Covered by Documenter Bruce Taylor (see his notes here)

The Akron Housing Appeals Board recommended four Akron homes for demolition during its monthly meeting on Feb. 27. The board reviewed eight properties overall —  two owners received extensions to address repair orders.

The board hears two types of cases: appeals of repair orders and recommendations for demolition due to vacancy or code violations. Officials prioritized cases with residents to speak. 

At the meeting, five board members reviewed cases, six city officials provided details and eight community members were in attendance.

Demolitions ordered in Summit Lake, Middlebury, North Hill

The board added four properties to the city’s demolition list due to vacancy, vandalism or failure to meet city enforcement orders. In two cases, neighbors testified about the negative effects of the vacant homes on their neighborhoods.

  • 256 Lloyd St. (Summit Lake) – The property is vacant and vandalized and the owner is deceased. A neighbor voiced concerns about security. The board unanimously voted for demolition, with costs charged to the property owner.
  • 438 McGowan St. (Middlebury) – The property is vacant and fire-damaged and the owner is deceased. A neighbor raised concerns about safety. The board voted unanimously for demolition.
  • 446 Downing Place (Middlebury) and 59 Vesper St. (North Hill) – Both properties are vacant and vandalized and owned by deceased individuals. The board unanimously voted to proceed with demolition for both.
Signal background

Appeal denied for Summit Lake property

The board denied an appeal from the property owner of 328 Theodore St. in Summit Lake, who was ordered to vacate the property by Feb. 7 and submit a structural engineer’s report by March 24. Soil instability is a known issue in this part of Summit Lake, and city officials expressed concern that the home may not be structurally sound. The owner told the board that recent personal issues delayed her ability to make repairs.

Housing Administrator Duane Groeger and Housing Inspector John Goold both recommended upholding the original order, citing safety concerns. The board unanimously voted to deny the appeal, meaning the house must be vacated unless a favorable engineer’s report is submitted.

Extensions and appeals granted in East Akron

Two property owners received extensions to complete repairs. One appeal of a repair order was denied and another was withdrawn.

  • 1110 Santee Ave. (East Akron) – The owner received an extension until April 24 to continue repairs, including a planned roof replacement.
  • 1164 Derbydale Road (Ellet) – The owner, unable to complete repairs, was given until March 27 to sell the property.

Next public hearing details

Residents may share their opinions at the board meeting:
Date: March 27
Time: 9 a.m.
Location: Akron City Council Chambers, 3rd Floor, Municipal Building, 166 S. High St., Akron

Read Documenter Bruce Taylor’s notes here:

Housing Appeals Board 02_27_2025Download

LeKesha is a writer, artist and marketing professional with a passion for storytelling and community engagement. Based in Akron, she brings a multidisciplinary approach to her work, blending poetry, graphic design, painting and photography. In addition to her creative pursuits, she serves on the board of the League of Women Voters Akron Area and works for a nonprofit focused on uplifting the community. With a background in marketing and a commitment to civic involvement, LeKesha is dedicated to using her skills to inform, inspire, and empower others.

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