Middlebury park a possibility as Habitat for Humanity seeks ideas for vacant lot

Park among ideas for Middlebury vacant lot 

Habitat for Humanity – Vacant lot development at North Case Avenue and East Market Street

Presenter: Jessica Goldbourn, Habitat for Humanity 

• Habitat for Humanity of Summit County and others are gathering community input on what should be developed on a vacant lot in Ward 10.
• According to the presentation shown at the meeting, this is part of a larger effort to create a green space along North Case Avenue and the Little Cuyahoga River from East Market Street to Kent Street. The Middlebury Park Concept plan would connect with the existing Lest We Forget Memorial Park and create more access to the river.
• The concept is part of the Middlebury Neighborhood Plan completed in 2019 with help from The Well Community Development Corporation, East Akron Neighborhood Development Corporation, and Habitat’s Neighborhood Network program.

• The lot in question, is bounded by N. Case Avenue to the east and railroad tracks to the west with two billboards on the north side.
• A playground has been suggested, though safety concerns were raised due to traffic.
• Additional ideas discussed with residents:
  • Foot bridge across the Little Cuyahoga River
  • Overlook platform
  • Picnic tables
  • Improvements to pedestrian connectivity
• Community concerns:
  • Maintenance and safety, especially near vacant homes.
  • Suggested coordination with organizers of the Lest We Forget Memorial Park to learn about loitering or safety issues.
• Next step:
  • Ward 10 Council Member Sharon Connor will consult with Lerryn Campbell, who runs a homeless charity at 47 N. Arlington St., for further input.

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Proposed tactical training facility near metro park

Eastwood pool property – Proposal for tactical training facility

Presenter: Sharon Connor

• Eastwood Pool been closed since 2014; it’s now privately owned by a local family.
• The owners propose converting the old pool site (adjacent to Goodyear Heights Metro Park) into a privately owned tactical defense training facility.
• According to an Akron Department of Planning and Urban Development memo, the structure would be utilized not only by fire and EMS personnel, but also by local police, SWAT teams and individuals desiring personal defense training.
• Also, according to the planning department memo, the facility would only use “reduced-energy, non-lethal cartridges” for training and the rounds would be quiet enough that hearing protection is not required.
• Plans include:
  • Four to five stacked buildings similar to shipping containers for indoor simulation training (only blanks would be used, and shooting range will be indoors only).
  • Future additions: military-style obstacle course, archery range.
  • Possible use for team-building events, Ironman-style challenges and canine training.
• Structural and operational notes:
  • Containers will sit inside the pool bowl to minimize noise.
  • Entire site will be fully fenced.
  • Membership-only, private facility.
• Concerns addressed:
  • Summit Metro Parks officials are worried about noise; the owner said it will be quieter than when the pool operated.
• Next step:
  • City Council will schedule a public hearing.
  • Connor stressed the importance of understanding the full scope of the project.

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112-year-old Akron water reservoir demolition begins in Goodyear Heights

by Akron Documenters February 9, 2026

Akron reservoir replacement update

Reservoir replacement update

Presenter: Bill Marchand, senior engineer, City of Akron

• Ongoing demolition: walls coming down over the next month, followed by floor removal.
• After demolition, dirt will be brought in to raise the ground to the former reservoir’s floor level for the new construction.
• Brittain Road closure continues through Feb. 23 with a short detour in place.

Summit County Council updates

Presenter: Christine Higham, Summit County Council member for District 6, which includes Ward 10

• Hosting open office hours; next scheduled in North Hill on April 14. Details regarding office hours can be found on Higham’s Facebook page.
• Promoted the Let’s Move Hike & Bike event at Summit Lake on May 16:
  • Showcasing new habitat restoration and pedestrian pathways.
  • Naturalists available to discuss wildlife.
  • Bikes available to borrow on-site.