This article was also reported by Derek Kreider, Akron Beacon Journal.
Akronites trying to “Live Más” in the vicinity of the University of Akron’s campus will have to find another Taco Bell to satisfy their late-night cravings until later this year.
Akron City Council voted 12-0 March 9 to allow Taco Bell of America LLC to raze and replace its restaurant at 414 E. Exchange St., built in 1992, in accordance with its policy of updating its stores every 20 to 30 years.
City Planning Director Kyle Julien said via email last year that construction will “likely” wrap this fall.
“After completion of plans and permitting,” he said, “they have a typical 4-5 month build time.”
According to Akron City Planning Commission documents, the new store will eliminate four parking spots — though with 30 still in place, the amount of parking is more than required by code. The plans call for Taco Bell to move its dumpster away from the store, closer to the residences located to the southwest of the building. The drive-thru, menu boards and ground sign will remain in the same spot.
Nearby resident shares concerns about litter, possible rodents
Roberta Rogers lives on Kirn Avenue behind the Taco Bell and originally objected to the location being rebuilt. At a Nov. 17 hearing, she told the council’s Planning and Economic Development Committee the trash generated by the restaurant and its customers is a health hazard. She also objected to the loss of parking spaces, the hours of operation and more.
Customers departing Taco Bell leave a trail of litter behind, she said. The dumpster moving closer to the residences behind the restaurant is a problem, too, she said, though she understands that its current location sits in a tight space where it’s difficult to unload.
“My biggest concern is the trash,” Rogers said in a Feb. 20 interview. “Even yesterday, I was picking up trash off the street and stuff, and I know it’s from Taco Bell because it says Taco Bell on the wrappers.”
To address these concerns, the restaurant amended its plan to include construction of an 8-foot-tall enclosure around the dumpster to contain the trash.
“I’m hoping that’ll try and do the trick,” Rogers said. “I just don’t want to see rodents or rats or even other bugs and stuff coming from that.”
Rogers said a parent, a neighbor of hers, told her that he wouldn’t allow his children to stay with him anymore “because of the rats.” She said she had a “possum or something” living under her house. She said an animal warden told her he couldn’t do anything about it until spring.
She worried that fewer parking lot spaces would mean more people parking on Kirn, creating a problem for emergency vehicles.
Since originally raising her concerns in November, Rogers said At-Large Akron Councilman Jeff Fusco has kept her updated on construction plans, and a representative from Taco Bell called her to talk.
“I’m just happy that they’re at least trying,” she said. “I just want to make sure it’s safe and healthy.”
A representative from Taco Bell did not return requests for comment.
Taco Bell responds to concerns
Joshua Graber with GPD Group, architect and engineer for the project, said Nov. 17 he hadn’t heard anything about rats previously. He said it’s in the company’s interest to keep its facilities clean to avoid the risk of losing their health license.
“We have a full pest control management program that we utilize,” he said. “There should be no issue with that.”
Graber said there would be no issue with emergency vehicles reaching the site.
Though parking has been reduced, he said, the store has fewer seats than others, and COVID-19 taught Taco Bell that the drive-thru is king.
Rogers received a letter in the mail from Chrystal Cupelli, associate construction manager, on Nov. 12. She said the letter didn’t guarantee anything, but she understands they probably didn’t want to put any promises in writing.
“Please know that we hear you and take your concerns seriously,” Cupelli said in the letter. “Our operations team is committed to maintaining a clean, well-managed site and being a respectful neighbor. We’re taking steps to ensure that our restaurant remains a positive presence in the community.”
Lauren Cohen is a community reporting intern for the Akron Beacon Journal and Signal Akron. The position is funded through a grant from the Knight Foundation, which is a supporter of Signal Akron.