Community engagement and safety were key themes that emerged during the Ward 1 meeting led by Akron City Council Member Samuel DeShazior and attended by about 30 individuals at the Highland Square Branch Library Sept. 11.
Weekend visitors causing issues in Highland Square’s retail district
Akron Police Lt. Brian Simcox, who is the Ward 1 community engagement officer, said that bars on West Market Street in Highland Square draw teenagers and adults of all ages on weekends. Groups of people also gather outside along sidewalks and in the Walgreens parking lot, Simcox said.
These groups are reportedly smoking, drinking, and leaving behind litter and debris. With permission from Walgreens, APD will begin towing vehicles from the parking lot after the store closes at midnight. APD will also post warning signs and put flyers on vehicles before towing begins.
Upcoming neighborhood events
Two Ward 1 residents representing the West Hill Neighborhood Organization reported on recent activities. The group was founded by residents seeking interactions and outreach across the community. WHNO puts on free, family-friendly events like a chili cookoff and movie nights. A Trunk-or-Treat event is being planned for October. Wonderfest, an arts and culture festival celebrating all that’s “weird and wonderful about West Hill,” happens Oct. 5 at Oakdale Pocket Park, 88 Oakdale Ave. from noon to 7 p.m.
The Akron Marathon will bring 4,000 runners Sept. 28 to the 26.2-mile course that winds throughout the city according to race organizers who spoke at the meeting. Road closures will affect several locations in Ward 1, including downtown, West Hill, Highland Square, and Sand Run Park starting as early as 7 a.m. and ending around 2 p.m.. Residents can view the schedule of road closures..
Storm response, construction updates
City Service Director Chris Ludle addressed issues regarding the “500-year storm” that left many Akronites with flooding and property damage. Residents seeking assistance sent service requests to the city. City workers assisted with cleanup, Ludle said, at times spending more than six hours at a residence.
Ludle also shared these updates:
- The Ed Davis Community Center in West Akron should re-open by early October.
- The new Fire Station #12 on South Hawkins Avenue in Wallhaven opens in early October.
- The city is still seeking a site for the new police station.
- Patterson Park will re-open in early 2025.
- The Reservoir Park Community Center and pool in Goodyear Heights expects to re-open by June.
- Lock 3 Park in downtown will re-open after Winterfest (the day after Thanksgiving).
- The city is looking to replace the Bowery Street bridge near Cascade Plaza downtown. Officials don’t have a timeline yet, but expect a lengthy process that will resemble the recently-completed State Street bridge project.
Fire Prevention and Preparation
District Chief Sierjie Lash shared fire safety tips, including keeping a completed medical questionnaire available at home in case of emergencies.
Lash told residents that the Akron Fire Department will provide and install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors free of charge.
Go here for more tips and to contact the AFD.
The next Ward 1 meeting is Nov. 13. Learn more here.
