Note to readers:

The following item is a written record of the Akron City Council Ward 9 meeting from March 3, compiled by Akron Documenter Rebecca Ritterspach. 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

  • Akron Public Schools‘ Superintendent Mary Outley touted rising graduation rates and a lead ranking among urban schools in Ohio; made a plea for increased federal and state funding; and highlighted APS student retention amid rising costs and the lack of funding due to EdChoice vouchers.
  • No-cost home-improvement programs are available for Summit County residents, including lead testing, aging-in-place accommodations and weatherization and appliance upgrades aimed at reducing energy costs.
  • Development projects are underway in the Kenmore district, including blighted house demolition, Manchester Road improvements, a redesign of Prentiss Park and an upcoming groundbreaking for a new school at the site of the former Kenmore High School.

Documenter’s follow-up questions

  • What is the projected timeline for the Prentiss Park improvements to be completed?
  • What strategies is the district implementing to encourage Akron families to keep their school‑aged children enrolled in Akron Public Schools?

Free home‑improvement programs from Summit County

A representative from Summit County’s Community and Economic Development team highlighted several no‑cost, income‑ and age‑qualified programs for residents, including:

Weatherization assistance

  • Testing and possible replacement of older refrigerators.
  • Conversion of incandescent bulbs to LED.
  • Partnership with FirstEnergy to help reduce energy bills.

Lead testing

  • Available for homes built before 1968 with children under the age of 6.

Aging-in-place support

  • ADA modifications, grab bars, mobility aids and tub/shower accessibility updates.
  • Designed to help older adults stay in their homes safely.

Additional information can be found on the Summit County website.

Blighted Kenmore house finally demolished

After a decade‑long process, the long‑troubled property at 224 Kenmore Leg Exit has finally been demolished. Its removal addresses major neighborhood concerns and improves safety and appearance in the area. Photos can be found on Ward 9 Council Member Tina Boyes’ Facebook page.

Across the city, 88 additional nuisance properties are in line for demolition. Boyes said that while some homes must come down, the city is committed to preserving as many as possible: “Our best bet is investing in the housing we already have.”

Signal background

Unify Akron launches

Unify Akron has officially begun, bringing together 65 residents representing all 10 wards and a wide range of backgrounds.

The opening ceremony will be held March 12 at the James A. Rhodes Arena, and the public is welcome to attend and observe future meetings. Boyes participated in the kickoff and encouraged residents to stay engaged with the process.

Manchester Road updates

Residents will soon notice several improvements along Manchester Road:

  • New overpass lighting is being installed to improve visibility in an area Boyes said, “has been dark for quite some time.”
  • Ohio Edison has replaced metal poles with wooden poles featuring elevated wiring to prevent theft.
  • Resurfacing work is upcoming on the stretch from the city limits near the Towpath to the overpass. ODOT will oversee portions that fall under state jurisdiction. More details will be shared as plans are finalized.
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Prentiss Park improvements

Prentiss Park is undergoing a thoughtful redesign:

  • Stakes now mark locations for new lighting and a quarter‑mile walking/jogging path.
  • The unused girls’ softball field will be replaced with a new Innes soccer team field in the center of the park.
  • Sidewalk upgrades are also planned as part of the overall improvement.

These updates aim to make the park more usable, safer and more welcoming to residents of all ages.

Summit Lake NorthShore project

The Summit Lake NorthShore project remains on time and within budget, with a dedication ceremony planned for late April.

New features include a boathouse and a multi‑use event facility suitable for weddings, receptions and community gatherings. Summit Lake residents will be able to reserve the space at a free or reduced rate.

Castle Homes area redevelopment

The former Young’s Restaurant site, currently overgrown, is being reviewed as a  redevelopment opportunity. The city plans to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) to potential buyers.

Boyes stressed the importance of maintaining public lake access and is seeking input from Castle Homes residents as decisions are made.

Akron Public Schools updates

Superintendent Mary Outley shared highlights from the State of the Schools address:

  • For the 2024-2025 school year, the graduation rate was 88.9% — the highest among Ohio’s largest urban districts, with projections exceeding 90% by 2026.
  • Overall State of Ohio report card: 3.5 out of 5 stars (Meets Standards).
  • The district received a mark of “Exceeds Standards” in student progress and college/career/military readiness.

However, the district faces significant financial challenges, Outley said, due to stagnant funding, inflation, declining enrollment and more than $30 million in funding losses from EdChoice vouchers.

Outley said that this year, the district must make $11 million in budget cuts.

New school construction in Kenmore

Debra Foulk, APS executive director for business affairs, shared updates on the new Pfeiffer Elementary and Miller South School for the Visual and Performing Arts school building that will be built at the former Kenmore High School site, 2126 13th St. SW:

  • Groundbreaking: March 19
  • Planned opening: August 2028
  • Pre‑K-5 will be located on the Pfeiffer side
  • Grades 4-8, with a fine arts focus, will be located on the Miller South side
  • Photos and renderings are available on the Akron Public Schools website

Akron Documenters trains and pays residents to document local government meetings with notes and live-tweet threads. We then make those meeting summaries available as a new public record.