Note to readers:

The following item is a written record of the Housing Appeals Board meeting from April 16, 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 

  • The Housing Appeals Board granted 30-day extensions to three properties previously recommended for demolition. The board heard testimony from three separate owners (two residing outside of Akron, one residing locally). 
  • The board voted unanimously on motions to demolish four blighted homes whose owners’ whereabouts are unknown, in addition to two blighted homes for which demolition waivers were signed and submitted by the owners.

Documenter follow-up questions

  • If the board votes to demolish a property, do owners have the ability to file an appeal, and if so, how often does that occur? Would an appeal take place in a court of law?
  • If property owners do not meet compliance requirements within a designated extension window, what are the next steps?
  • When the board votes to demolish blighted properties, what steps come next? What is the typical time between approval and demolition, and what is the average cost for the city?

Meeting start time: 9 a.m.

Three houses receive 30-day reprieves

601 Treeside Dr. | Northwest Akron | Ward 8

Case 6183 – Property status and initial recommendation

  • The Housing Appeals Board previously recommended demolition of the property due to its blighted condition.
  • An exterior-only inspection identified multiple issues, including:
    • A hole in the roof
    • Debris in gutters
    • Vegetation growing in the chimney
    • Deteriorated trim and eaves
    • Foundation tuck-pointing repairs needed

Property owner representation

  • Latoya Coleman, daughter of the property owner, testified at the hearing.
    • The owner resides with another daughter in Indiana due to declining health. The family has focused on the owner’s health for several years and is now shifting attention to the property.
  • Coleman said the family believes the property could be suitable for student or graduate housing once brought into code compliance.
  • Planned actions included:
    • Prioritizing exterior compliance before interior repairs
    • Lawn care already scheduled
    • Meetings with contractors scheduled for April 16 to address:
      • Chimney repairs
      • Foundation tuck pointing
      • Painting and pressure washing
      • Tree maintenance
  • Coleman requested an extension of time to complete these repairs. 

Board members state concerns about repair completion

  • A board member asked what could realistically be accomplished in 30 days, noting:
    • The case has been on the board’s agenda since 2023.
    • No prior progress had been made.
    • Board members were skeptical about whether proposed repairs would actually occur, given the lack of past action.
  • Duane Groeger, housing administrator in Akron’s Housing Compliance Division, said:
    • Neither the owner nor the holders of power of attorney for the owner reside locally, and the property is required by law to have a designated property manager.
    • An interior inspection is critical to properly assess the full scope and cost of repairs needed to bring the property into compliance. 

Mortgage servicer statement

  • Jenna Arrowsmith, attorney for Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing, said:
    • Their records show the property as owner-occupied
    • The mortgage is current
    • Shellpoint was unaware of the code issues
  • She supported granting an extension to allow time to develop a repair plan. 

Board decision

  • The board unanimously approved a 30-day extension.
  • Conditions of the extension include:
    • Scheduling and completing an interior inspection
    • Submitting a repair plan detailing work to be completed within the first 30 days
    • Obtaining any required building permits for repairs
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1178 Chester Ave. | Kenmore | Ward 9

Case 6184 – Property status and initial recommendation

  • The board had previously recommended demolition of the vacant property due to its blighted condition.
  • Documented exterior violations included:
    • Broken windows.
    • Moss growth on the roof.
    • Debris in gutters.
    • Missing downspouts.
    • Missing and damaged shingles.
    • Missing front storm door and window screens.
    • A junk pickup truck located at the rear of the property.

Property owner representation

  • David Quezada testified regarding the property. He and his wife share ownership.
    • His native language is Spanish; he submitted a written letter to the board in lieu of verbal testimony, along with photographs and a work plan.
    • Quezada is a landscaping foreman and said he intends to lead the repair work, hiring additional help as needed.
    • He indicated plans to reside in the property once repairs are made.

Go deeper: Read our full explainer on how Akron decides which houses to tear down, including how to report housing violations in your neighborhood..

Board and compliance background

  • The board noted that original violation orders were issued to the owner in June 2021. The owner has previously been assessed penalties of $100, $500 and $1,000. Both owners currently have active bench warrants for failure to appear related to charges associated with the property.
  • Groeger said if an extension were granted, an interior inspection must be completed. Quezada confirmed that an interior inspection would be possible.
  • When asked about resolving the criminal charges and bench warrants, Quezada said he was unaware of the warrants and committed to addressing the matter as soon as possible.

Board decision

The board unanimously approved a 30-day extension.

  •  Conditions of the extension include:
    • The property must be kept clean and free of refuse.
    • The structure must be secured.
    • The owner must immediately contact the Housing Compliance Division to schedule an interior inspection.
    • The owner must take steps to resolve the outstanding bench warrants.

654 Grace Ave. | Sherbondy Hill | Ward 3

Case 6196 – Status and initial recommendation

  • Property is vacant, vandalized and heavily fire-damaged.
  • The owner’s whereabouts were initially unknown.
  • The property is tax delinquent.  
  • Based on the extended deterioration and condition of the structure, demolition was recommended.

Property owner representation

  • Corey Austin of Winchester is the property owner and appeared before the board.
    • Austin apologized to the board and the Akron community for the prolonged condition of the property.  He said he inherited the house from his brother following his passing. He said prior repairs he financed, including new windows and siding, were later stolen due to vandalism.
  • When asked about future plans for the property, Austin said he intended to rehabilitate the home for use as a low-income group home. If that use is not approved, he said the property would be used as a rental.
  • Austin provided the board with contractor invoices for exterior repairs and documentation of a loan agreement.
  • Regarding a timeline for the proposed group home, Austin said his goal is to open by Jan. 1, 2027. He acknowledged he had not researched zoning requirements to determine whether a group home would be permitted at that location.

Property has been on agency’s agenda for 10 years

  • The board noted that the property has appeared on its agenda for approximately 10 years, emphasizing the advanced level of deterioration.
  • Austin was informed by the board that the property is tax delinquent. Austin confirmed he has not made arrangements to address the delinquent taxes. 
  • The board also noted that:
    • There is no registered local property manager, which is required by Akron ordinance for non-local owners.
    • An interior inspection has not yet been completed.

Board decision

  • The board voted unanimously to grant a 30-day extension subject to the following conditions:
    • Schedule and complete an interior inspection.
    • Register the property.
    • Appoint a local property manager.
    • Keep the property secured and free of refuse.
    • Take steps to address the tax delinquency.
This house (center) at 624 Blanch St. in Sherbondy Hill was added to the city's demolition list by the Housing Appeals Board at its April 16 meeting.
This house (center) at 624 Blanch St. in Sherbondy Hill was added to the city’s demolition list by the Housing Appeals Board at its April 16 meeting. (Screenshot via Google Street View)

Six houses added to demolition list

624 Blanche St. | Sherbondy Hill | Ward 3

  • Case 6183: No compliance with housing orders, dilapidated, tax delinquent, owner’s whereabouts unknown.
  • Board voted unanimously to add to demolition list.

709 Corice St. | South Akron | Ward 5

  • Case 6185: No compliance with housing orders, vacant, not registered, tax delinquent, dilapidated, has been secured by city.
  •  Board recommendation for demolition passed unanimously.
This house at 1421 Hillcrest St. in Sherbondy Hill was added to the city's demolition list by the Housing Appeals Board at its April 16 meeting.
This house at 1421 Hillcrest St. in Sherbondy Hill was added to the city’s demolition list by the Housing Appeals Board at its April 16 meeting. (Screenshot via Google Street View)

1421 Hillcrest St. | Sherbondy Hill | Ward 3

  • Case 6187: No compliance with housing orders, heavily fire-damaged, open, has been secured by city.
  • Board voted unanimously to add to demolition list.

1024 Yale St. | Summit Lake | Ward 3

  • Case 6189: No compliance with housing orders, vacant, not registered, tax delinquent, dilapidated, secured by city, recently found open, code compliance division recommends demolished with all costs assessed.
  • Board voted unanimously to add to demolition list.
The owner of this house at 1586 Twain Ave. in East Akron voluntarily submitted the property to the city's demolition list citing the building was a serious hazard and community safety. The Housing Appeals Board approved adding it to the list at its April 16 meeting.
The owner of this house at 1586 Twain Ave. in East Akron voluntarily submitted the property to the city’s demolition list citing the building was a serious hazard to the health and safety of the community. The Housing Appeals Board approved adding it to the list at its April 16 meeting. (Screenshot via Google Street View.)

Owners submit voluntary demolition waiver

1586 Twain Ave. | East Akron | Ward 10

  • Case 6190: Owner has submitted a voluntary demolition waiver, saying the property is in such a state of disrepair as to create a serious hazard to the health and safety of the community.
  • Board voted unanimously to add to demolition list.

815 Yale St. | Summit Lake | Ward 3

  • Case 6191: No compliance with housing orders, vacant, not registered, tax delinquent, dilapidated, secured by city, recently found open, code compliance division recommends demolition with all costs assessed.
  • Owner has submitted a voluntary demolition waiver, saying the property is in such a state of disrepair as to create a serious hazard to the health and safety of the community.
  • Board voted unanimously to add to demolition list.

Meeting adjourned: 10:27 a.m.

Next meeting: May 21 at 9 a.m. at the Akron Municipal Building 166 S. High Street, Floor 3.

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