Note to readers:
The following item is a written record of the Akron City Council Ward 9 meeting from June 2, compiled by Akron Documenter ShaKeela Gary. 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
- Significant investment is underway in Akron’s Kenmore neighborhood parks and public spaces. Prentiss Park and surrounding recreational areas are being redesigned with expanded amenities, though funding gaps may delay completion.
- Public safety dominated the meeting following a fatal shooting in Ward 9. Akron Police confirmed an active investigation, described the incident as likely targeted and requested additional community surveillance footage.
- Community concerns about illegal gambling locations remain unresolved. Residents and officials discussed ongoing “tap tap” gambling establishments, with enforcement dependent on reporting, evidence collection and inter-agency cooperation.
Documenter’s follow-up questions
- What specific criteria determine when an illegal gaming or “tap tap” location can be formally shut down or raided by law enforcement?
- What is the timeline and total funding plan for the redevelopment of Prentiss Park?
- Are there measurable outcomes or benchmarks APD uses to evaluate whether increased patrols and reporting systems are reducing violent incidents in Ward 9?
Ward 9 meeting notes
Ward 9 Council Member Tina Boyes opened the meeting with updates on upcoming community events, development projects and public safety concerns in the Kenmore area.
- The Summit Lake Farmers Market has launched on 2nd Street near the trail. It will be open every Tuesday from 4 – 7 p.m. through Sept. 23.
Construction underway at Kenmore’s Prentiss Park
- Prentiss Park is currently under construction, including:
- A new public restroom.
- Additional seating and tables to encourage community-gathering spaces
- Repurposing the softball field into a soccer-focused area.
- Potential future additions include a skate park for youth and BMX bike amenities.
Funding remains a challenge, with Boyes noting that the initial $150,000 allocation through the Akron Parks Challenge grant, which the park won in 2024, is not sufficient and additional funding is being pursued. Completion is expected to take a couple of years.
- Guinther Park was referenced in questions from attendees regarding baseball dugout conditions.
- Boyes said there are currently no plans for an affordable housing development at that site.
- Keep Akron Beautiful announced a “Litter Letter” initiative scheduled for June 22 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
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Business update includes Rita’s Italian Ice in Kenmore
- A Rita’s Italian Ice location has opened in the former Huntington Bank building on Kenmore Boulevard. The business reportedly hired local youth, and the Kenmore Community Development Corp. contributed financially to support its opening.
- The former Kenmore Freeze business has been sold and is expected to reopen as a custard shop. The new owner also operates another business downtown involving cold-pressed products.
A closer look at Kenmore
Fatal shooting drives public safety conversation
A significant portion of the meeting focused on a recent fatal shooting in the ward.
Officials confirmed that a fatal shooting occurred on May 27 at 9th Street and Kenmore Boulevard near a smoke shop/tap tap location.
Deputy Chief Dave Laughlin, who also serves on the board of Keep Akron Beautiful, provided an update:
- The incident is being actively investigated by detectives.
- Evidence suggests the shooting was likely targeted.
- The location had limited prior calls for service (approximately one to two this year).
- Authorities are requesting any available Ring camera or surveillance footage from residents.
When asked about suspects, Laughlin said that no arrests have been made at this time. He also confirmed that the establishment had cameras and provided footage to police.
An officer explained reporting procedures:
- Residents can submit tips through the Akron Police 411 tip system online
- Non-emergency calls should be used when a cruiser response is needed
- The officer said that all nuisance reports contribute to building investigative cases
Craig Morgan, Akron’s chief of public safety, addressed broader public safety concerns:
- He stated that most violent incidents are connected to drug-related activity.
- He emphasized that increased firearm availability has contributed to violence levels.
- Residents were encouraged to report suspicious activity consistently to support investigations and warrant applications.
Morgan also said building cases relies heavily on repeated community reporting through official channels.
Illegal gambling locations concern residents
- Police officials confirmed that gambling locations known as “tap taps” refer to illegal gaming establishments.
- Residents said there are multiple suspected locations across Ward 9 and nearby areas.
- Questions were raised about why longstanding locations have not been shut down, with officials responding that enforcement depends on formal complaints and evidence gathering.
Other community questions and discussion
Residents raised several other concerns and questions:
- Parking enforcement near business areas
- Some residents urged stricter enforcement of double parking and bike lane violations near the smoke shop area.
- Police bike unit
- A question was raised about reinstating a bicycle patrol unit.
- The officer said APD has about 20 bikes.
- Officials responded that partnerships with state and federal agencies (including task force resources such as ATF and U.S. Marshals) are being explored for additional support regarding the shooting.
- Community responsibility
- Several attendees emphasized the importance of continued public activity and not allowing recent violence to discourage community engagement.
- A resident asked about bringing back police scanners for public monitoring of activity.
Police offer snapshot of criminal activity in Kenmore
An Akron Police officer provided a snapshot of recent activity in Kenmore from an analyst.
Of eight categories, the most common call types included:
- Traffic stops
- Domestic incidents
- Physical fights
- Suspicious persons
Trends noted:
- Increase in traffic stops and “park and walk” patrol activity over the past year.
Officials reiterated the importance of reporting all nuisance and suspicious activity to support enforcement and investigations.
Residents were directed to submit tips to akroncops.org
The meeting concluded at 7:57 p.m.
