Note to readers:

The following item is a written record of the Ward 1 meeting from May 6, compiled by Akron Documenter Brittany Nader. 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

  • Ward 1 Council Member Fran Wilson discussed ongoing safety and traffic changes in Highland Square, including the concrete barricades near bars and businesses on a section of West Market Street that reduced street parking. They said the city, business owners and Akron Police are working together to address fights, underage drinking and other late-night issues while slowly adding beautification features such as art and gathering spaces.
  • Residents raised concerns about vacant storefronts, Wilson brought up the rumored demolition of a historic house near Bittman and Crosby in West Hill. Wilson encouraged residents interested in advocating for the property to attend a May 21 Housing Appeals Board meeting at City Hall.
  • Guest speaker Lisa Carey Dean shared legal and mental health resources for families, while Wilson announced that the next Ward 1 meeting on June 3 will focus on traffic studies and road planning projects in the neighborhood.

Documenter’s follow-up questions

  • What specific metrics or data is the city using to determine whether the Highland Square “Block Aid” barricade and increased police/security presence are improving safety?
  • What are the long-term redevelopment plans, if any, for the vacant and deteriorating commercial properties in Highland Square, especially the Ray’s Place/Platinum Dragon strip?
  • What will the first priority be if and when the Highland Square Special Improvement District legislation is passed by City Council?

Notes: 

Community members congregated at Balch Street Community Theatre for the Ward 1 meeting on May 6.
Community members congregated at Balch Street Community Theatre for the Ward 1 meeting on May 6. (Brittany Nader / Akron Documenters)

The meeting was called to order at 6:06 p.m.

Opening discussion: ‘What’s happening in Ward 1?’

Ward 1 Council Member Fran Wilson opened the floor for community updates and questions.

Street repaving questions

  • A resident asked why streets are currently being torn up around the ward.
  • Wilson said it is repaving season, and the city is working on obtaining timelines for specific streets.
  • Residents interested in updates about their street were encouraged to email or text their office.

Upcoming events and community announcements

  • Akron housing and landscape projects
    • A neighbor shared that a group would meet May 14, at 6 p.m. at Robinson Community Learning Center to discuss landscaping projects in the area.
    • The event will include a small dinner followed by the meeting. It is open to anyone who wants to attend.
  • Native Plant Festival
    • The Summit Metro Parks will host its annual celebration of native plants on May 16 at Munroe Falls Metro Park from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.
    • An attendee recommended arriving around 9 a.m. because the parking lot fills up quickly.
  • West Hill Neighborhood Organization events
    • May 17: Flower basket sale fundraiser supporting neighborhood events and maintenance of public spaces.
    • May 23 (or May 24 if it rains): Neighborhood cleanup around Maple Street near Glendale Avenue from 9 to 11 a.m.
    • More information will be shared on the WHNO Facebook page and through email lists.
The property at 284 Crosby St. is listed on the May 2026 Housing Appeals Board agenda.
The property at 284 Crosby St. is listed on the May 2026 Housing Appeals Board agenda. (Screenshot via Google Street View.)

Historic house demolition concerns

Residents discussed the brownish purple house at the corner of Bittman and Crosby in West Hill, which is on the agenda of the May 21 Housing Appeals Board meeting.

  • A meeting is scheduled for May 21 at 9 a.m. at 166 S. High St. for those interested in advocating for preservation/purchase of the property.

Wilson concluded this portion of the meeting by apologizing for delayed responses to neighbors due to a recent illness. 

Council and city updates

Rules bill and at-large council member discussion

Wilson discussed a recent rules change bill they introduced in council related to filling vacant council seats.

  • They said many constituents expressed anxiety about how longtime At-Large Council Member Jeff Fusco’s vacant seat would be filled.
  • Council’s existing process for replacement has been criticized for:
    • Bypassing a public election.
    • Allowing a screening committee to deliberate privately before presenting candidates to council.
  • Wilson introduced an amended version of the bill but said it was voted down.
  • Wilson referenced public concerns surrounding initial at-large candidate George Johnson, saying he has a “particular reputation,” i.e., some residents objected to his positions regarding policing, public comment and protesters.
  • There was “outcry from the community” opposing his selection, Wilson said.
  • After four rounds of voting, council selected Mark Greer to fill the at-large seat.
  • “We have Mr. Fusco’s seat filled with a very nice gentleman, so we’ll see how that goes,” Wilson said.

Special Improvement District (SID)

Wilson briefly discussed the Highland Square Special Improvement District initiative.

  • Plans are moving forward, and, once finalized, legislation will be brought forward to Akron City Council for approval.
  • Wilson said the district is intended to support “gradual” public space improvements in Highland Square that are “much needed.”
  • The plan was proposed last fall after an increase in reported crime surrounding neighborhood bars and businesses.
  • “A SID is a defined geographic area where property owners in the footprint pay an assessment to fund extra services benefiting that district,” according to a City of Akron press release.
  • The SID plan could include additional security, beautification, litter removal, increased signage and more.
Signal background

3. ‘Block Aid’ Highland Square traffic barrier discussion

Wilson addressed ongoing public feedback surrounding the barricade/blockade area near Highland Square businesses.

  • Wilson described late-night conditions as increasingly difficult to manage, citing:
    • Fights
    • Open container violations
    • Underage drinking
    • People congregating and drinking in parked cars instead of entering businesses.
    • Visibility and safety concerns
  • The barriers are intended to mitigate parked cars in front of businesses where fights and parties occur.
  • “What is frustrating is that it looks gross. It doesn’t look great,” Wilson said.
  • Wilson also shared the following updates:
    • Parking behind Chipotle late at night is once again permitted. Signage has been delayed.
    • Wilson presented a slide stating that eight parking spots were closed by barriers, but 100 spots were reopened.
    • Private security patrols have been hired from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m.
    • Akron Police have been present on Friday nights to help de-escalate situations around bars.
    • The process has involved collaboration between business owners, the city and APD.
  • There has been feedback on the aesthetics of the barriers in front of businesses along West Market Street, which Wilson acknowledged during the meeting.
    • The city plans to gradually improve the area through public art collaborations, games at select hours, gathering spaces and incremental improvements rolled out step by step, Wilson said.
  • Attendees asked about replacing the concrete barriers with planters.
    • Wilson said they looked into it, and decorative planters were “prohibitively expensive.”
    • They also said similar planters in downtown Akron have repeatedly been hit by vehicles, and the city lacks funding and staffing resources for extensive maintenance.
Fran Wilson discussed planning progress for creating a Special Improvement District (SID) in Akron’s Highland Square Neighborhood, which involves area property owners paying for assessments to fund extra security patrols, litter removal and other projects.
Fran Wilson discussed planning progress for creating a Special Improvement District (SID) in Akron’s Highland Square Neighborhood, which involves area property owners paying for assessments to fund extra security patrols, litter removal and other projects. (Brittany Nader / Akron Documenters) Credit: Brittany Nader | Documenter

Attendee questions

One resident asked whether the city could pressure building owners to either improve or sell neglected properties in Highland Square.

  • The speaker compared vacant Highland Square storefronts to the post-COVID decline seen in downtown Cleveland.
  • Wilson said the city has met regularly with property owners regarding vacancies.
  • Officials are actively trying to fill empty storefronts and keep area businesses open and cited the new ownership of Mary Coyle as a positive example.
  • Wilson also discussed the condition of the vacant Raycade/Platinum Dragon strip at 814 and 816 W. Market St., stating that the buildings are in severe disrepair, and redevelopment would require millions of dollars.
  • Finding developers willing to invest has been difficult, Wilson said.

One resident said they had considered opening a business in Highland Square but ultimately decided against it because of the nearby smoke shop and ongoing “shenanigans.”

  • Fran responded that residents should feel comfortable going out in their own neighborhoods and acknowledged that significant work still needs to be done.
  • Wilson mentioned that different properties in the strip along West Market Street are owned by different people.
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Guest presentation: ‘Family & the Law’

Lisa Carey Dean, law director for the City of Green, gave a presentation on changing family structures and legal systems. Dean said she is running for judge of the Summit County Domestic Relations Court.

  • She first mentioned that she lived in Highland Square in high school and entered the legal field when a Firestone High School teacher helped her find a job to help support her family.
  • Dean showed a photo of her eight grandchildren and said they all come from nontraditional families.
  • Dean said traditional family structures heavily influence U.S. laws and resource systems.
  • Modern family arrangements often differ significantly from those assumptions.
  • Housing affordability challenges have increased multigenerational living arrangements.
  • Laws have historically centered around protecting marriage.
  • She said mental health is the most common challenge facing American families over work-related stress and finances. There is a particular rise in mental health issues among children.
  • Dean said the three courts that commonly deal with parentage issues are:
    • Juvenile court
    • Probate court
    • Domestic relations court

Dean shared slides with the following resources attendees can reach out to for help and information on the topics she presented:

A resident asked Dean where someone experiencing domestic violence should first seek help.

  • Dean recommended contacting Victim Assistance, noting that advocates can accompany victims while filing paperwork, provide free support services and attend court proceedings with victims

Volunteer request

Wilson wrapped up the meeting, mentioning they need three volunteers to help manage Ward 1 email communications.

The responsibilities include:

  • Curating neighborhood news, events, and business updates.
  • Monitoring social media and local news once per month.
  • Contributing short summaries to a shared Google Doc used for newsletters.

Wilson gave a preview for the June 3 meeting and said it will focus on traffic concerns across Ward 1.

Topics will include:

  • Speeding concerns
  • Road design
  • Traffic studies currently underway

The Maple Valley/Copley corridor will undergo a city study next year, giving residents opportunities to provide feedback on:

  • Traffic lights
  • Bike lanes
  • Roundabouts
  • Streetscape amenities
  • Curb improvements

Wilson also noted that Merriman Road is undergoing a separate planning study.

The meeting adjourned at 7:02 p.m. 

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.