City of Akron Archives - Signal Akron

Traffic moves along West Market Street in Highland Square. Akron City Council passed two resolutions July 20 that move the retail strip closer to having a Special Improvement District to enhance security in the area.

Highland Square safety district advances despite objections from some businesses

by Kelsei Scott September 30, 2026September 29, 2026

The Highland Square Special Improvement District was finalized Monday by Akron City Council, authorizing that the businesses in the district be billed to pay for the services around safety and beautification the SID is expected to provide. The approval comes on the heels of five Highland Square property owners on West Market Street — who did not sign the petition that created the SID — objecting to and appealing the special assessments.

Construction crews install rebar at the Brittain Road Reservoir in GoodYear Heights Aug. 31, 2026. Twenty-three truckloads of rebar were used during this phase of the project.

Energy and Environment

See how Akron is replacing a 112-year-old reservoir in Goodyear Heights

by Akron Documenters September 30, 2026September 29, 2026

Empty lots for sale by the City of Akron like this one 1039 Princeton Street in Akron's Summit Lake neighborhood would no longer be subject to minimum lot sizes for building houses under an ordinance being considered by Akron City Council. The legislation was set aside and not voted on during the regular Monday council meeting Sept. 28. The property is part of the city's Welcome Home program.

Scores of empty Akron lots could become buildable with new rules proposed to City Council

by Arielle Kass September 29, 2026September 29, 2026

Anthony Finnell, the independent police auditor for Akron, talks with attendees in the audience of the Citizens' Police Oversight Board at its meeting Dec. 18, 2024. At left is Donzella Anuszkiewicz, vice chair of the CPOB. If an amendment to the Akron City Charter on the Nov. 3 ballot would change the way the CPOB members are selected and give the auditor's position subpoena power.

Akron residents to vote on renter protections, increased power for police oversight board

by Signal Akron September 28, 2026September 28, 2026

The city of Akron owns the 109-year-old Bowen School building, which later served as the APS administrative offices, and has requested proposals from developers who want to transform it. The 48,000-square-foot building, located at at 70 N. Broadway St., has been empty since 2019.

Bowen School proposals offer new paths to save iconic downtown Akron building

by Arielle Kass September 24, 2026September 24, 2026

State Rep. Veronica Sims snaps a selfie at the John Brown monument on Tuesday, Sept. 22 following a dedication ceremony at the Akron Zoo marking the opening of a new path to the monument.

Arts and Culture

Akron’s John Brown Monument opens for public visits after years of neglect

by Brittany Moseley September 23, 2026September 23, 2026

Esther Thomas, director of the Office of Opportunity and Engagement, for the City of Akron, speaks at a press conference Monday about a new approach to city contracting that is aimed at giving more small businesses a chance to win public work. The new Small Business Enterprise program changes how the city identifies, structures and monitors some contracts, with small-business participation considered earlier in the process.

Small businesses to get more access to Akron contracts under new approach

by Shams Mustafa September 22, 2026September 21, 2026

A Flock camera in East Akron documents every car passing by on McKinley Avenue near Joy Park Homes. Flock cameras document every car that drives by and upload license plate numbers and other characteristics about the vehicle into a searchable database.

Akron’s Flock camera program may get full review by police auditor

by Kevin Dilley and Akron Documenters September 22, 2026September 23, 2026

New York artist Chakaia Booker's website shows off several public art installations including this piece called Déjá Vu. Booker was selected by a task force and approved by the Akron Public Art Commission to provide a sculpture for Lock 3 in downtown Akron. (Screenshot via chakaiabooker.com)

Tire public art sculpture coming to Akron’s Lock 3 at the end of October

by Akron Documenters September 22, 2026September 30, 2026

The City of Akron is proposing changes to its housing rules that could make it easier to build new single-family and multi-family homes in neighborhoods, allow the construction of in-law suites or carriage houses in backyards, and keep grandfathered-in housing types, like apartments on top of stores, that were built before current zoning rules. A new house being constructed by HK. Hovnanian Homes at 501 S. Rhodes Ave. in Sherbondy Hill is an example of infill housing, where a new structure is placed on an empty lot amid existing houses.

Akron homebuyers could save thousands with free house plans, down payment help

by Akron Documenters September 17, 2026September 17, 2026