WM's proposed new trash transfer station remains contentious topic at hours-long hearing

Patrick Williams

Akron Beacon Journal

 

Dressed as Oscar the Grouch, East Akron resident Nick Christopher held a sign outside Akron City Hall on Thursday protesting a proposed trash transfer, trash hauling and recycling facility.

Christopher's sign stated, "DON'T TURN EAST AKRON INTO A DUMP!" and had crossed-out photos of a trash bin, a trash truck and a rat.

 

https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/local/2024/10/03/akron-ohio-news-wm-trash-debate-opposition-eco-center-recycling/75480365007/?utm_source=nabj-DailyBriefing&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=daily-briefing&utm_term=Content List - Stacking - optimized&utm_content=OHIO-AKRON-NLETTER65

Proposed Akron trash transfer facility sparks lengthy debate

October 08, 2024

By Eric Poston

A rendering of what the proposed refuse and recycling transfer station on East Archwood Avenue would look like. Rendering courtesy of WM

DOWNTOWN AKRON — During a nearly nine-hour public hearing Oct. 3, members of Akron City Council heard from individuals for and against a new proposed refuse and recycling transfer station and trash hauling business.

WM, formerly known as Waste Management, is seeking a conditional-use permit to construct the WM Akron Eco-Center at 1400 E. Archwood Ave. Currently WM operates a transfer station on Fountain Street, adjacent to state Route 8.

 

https://www.akron.com/articles/proposed-akron-trash-transfer-facility-sparks-length-debate/

Developer of Water 9 in Portage Lakes says project moving ahead despite soaring costs

Alan Ashworth

Akron Beacon Journal

 

The developer of a Portage Lakes housing project said he hopes to move forward despite soaring costs to add water and sewer infrastructure.

 

Local businessman Tim Adkins, who purchased the Turkeyfoot Links golf course in January 2023, said estimates to provide water and sewer, originally ranging from $7 million to $9 million, have risen to the $13 million to $15 million range.

 

https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/local/2024/10/15/new-franklin-water-9-project-updates-portage-lakes-infrastructure-sewer-sewage/75632800007/?utm_source=nabj-DailyBriefing&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=daily-briefing&utm_term=hero&utm_content=OHIO-AKRON-NLETTER65

Chapel Hill site's reinvention takes another step with addition of OnQ Solutions

Patrick Williams

Akron Beacon Journal

 

With the addition of retail display company OnQ Solutions, the site of the former Chapel Hill Mall has another tenant to show that its rebirth as a business park is paying off.

At the new location's grand opening Wednesday, OnQ President and Chief Operating Officer Kevin Delahunty said he was proud of his team for building out the facility and starting operations during a busy time for the business.

 

https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/business/2024/10/25/inside-display-company-onq-solutions-chapel-hill-business-park-space-brittain-buchholzer-icp/75399834007/?utm_source=nabj-DailyBriefing&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=daily-briefing&utm_term=hero&utm_content=OHIO-AKRON-NLETTER65

 

Summa reaches deal to sell Akron health system to for-profit HATCo for $485 million

Portrait of Patrick Williams Patrick Williams

Akron Beacon Journal

 

Summa Health has reached a definitive agreement to sell the Akron-based health system to for-profit Health Assurance Transformation Co. for $485 million.

The deal, announced Thursday, also includes a commitment by HATCo to invest $350 million in capital funding within the first five years and $200 million for "strategic and transformative investments and to drive innovation over the first seven years," according to a news release.

 

Summa execs share more details about planned community foundation

A new, separately governed, nonprofit community foundation will be funded by cash remaining after closing adjustments, in addition to "transactions that will happen to facilitate the deal happening, and then anything that is remaining, plus the current restricted funds that exist in our foundation today," Sutton said.

The free amount of cash on Summa's balance sheet reported in a mid-October disclosure was $937 million, Deveny said.

 

https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/healthcare/2024/11/07/summa-health-sale-hatco-general-catalyst-ohio-regulatory-review-akron-summit-county/76108449007/

Fire Station No. 12 opens in Akron

November 21, 2024

By Staff Writer

 

WEST AKRON — The City of Akron held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Nov. 14 to celebrate the official opening of the new Fire Station No. 12 at 112 S. Hawkins Ave.
The original Station No. 12, at 1852 W. Market St., was first built in 1952 and has served the community for more than 70 years. The new station is 16,800 square feet and cost approximately $9.5 million. It is a state-of-the-art facility designed to better serve the community and keep the city’s firefighter/medics safer and healthier.
The Akron Fire Department (AFD) hosted open houses Nov. 16 and Nov. 17 for the community to tour the facility and learn more about the new space.

 

https://www.akron.com/articles/fire-station-no-12-opens-in-akron/

Check out the Humane Society of Summit County's new digs (and cute cats and dogs, too)

Alan Ashworth

Akron Beacon Journal

 

LOCAL

Check out the Humane Society of Summit County's new digs (and cute cats and dogs, too)

Alan Ashworth

Akron Beacon Journal

The Humane Society of Summit County's 52 employees, 62 dogs, 45 cats, and assorted mice, guinea pigs and rabbits were still settling in late last month at their new home on West Portage Trail in Cuyahoga Falls.

The organization had been based in Twinsburg but moved to the Falls Nov. 15 for a more central location with new medical equipment and kennels designed to improve animal living conditions and behavior.

 

https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/local/2024/12/05/humane-society-summit-county-new-shelter-location-adoptions-dogs-cats-kennels/76429645007/?utm_source=nabj-DailyBriefing&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=daily-briefing&utm_term=hero&utm_content=OHIO-AKRON-NLETTER65

 

The Homeier-Universal Motor Co. Building in Akron. This empty warehouse at 816 E. Market St. is slated to become a food hall, a project being shepherded by the Well CDC, a nonprofit community development corporation. It won a $2 million tax credit award.

 

https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-news/housing-at-rhodes-tower-and-a-hotel-at-the-rose-building-projects-win-state-tax-credits

 

https://maps.app.goo.gl/9gFiRNuXNMdron8SA

This is owned by The Well CDC

This is an older article that I am just now seeing:

 

BUSINESS

Akron City Council OKs razing of old Goodyear Middle School for affordable housing complex

Patrick Williams

Akron Beacon Journal

 

A firm behind much of the development on Akron’s East End — the Hilton Garden Inn, The Lofts and The Residences among them — is now planning a 160-unit affordable housing complex for the area.

Akron City Council voted this week to authorize Industrial Realty Group (IRG) to raze the vacant, former Goodyear Middle School and construct The Heights at 40 N. Martha Ave to provide mixed-income and senior housing.

 

https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/business/2024/09/12/the-heights-affordable-housing-akron-east-end-industrial-realty-group-irg-goodyear-middle-school/75106135007/

 

 

Amazon project moving forward in Springfield Township

December 19, 2024

By Eric Poston

 

SPRINGFIELD — Progress is being made in Springfield Township for a new Amazon delivery station on Picton Parkway in the Planned Industrial Park District.
Recently, construction got underway to extend Picton Parkway to accommodate the new facility as Springfield Township Trustees July 11 approved a preliminary development plan for the delivery station. The plan for the building has changed following previous concerns from residents about traffic, noise, the size of the building and its proximity to Schrop Intermediate School, 2215 Pickle Road. The new plan eliminates access off Pickle Road; reduces the size of the building by 30% from 141,000 square feet to 99,800 square feet; and reduces parking spaces in both the work van and associate parking areas by between 35% and 66%.

 

https://www.akron.com/articles/amazon-project-moving-forward-in-springfield-township/

Welcome to Silver Maple Ridge, where Akron neighbors are building each other's homes

Patrick Williams

Akron Beacon Journal

 

Farkhod Islomov asked Allah for a low-priced, interest-free mortgage. Then, he saw an ad outside his mosque that struck him as as a divine sign.

"We Build With Faith," read the sign from Christian nonprofit organization Habitat for Humanity.

 

https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/local/2024/12/23/habitat-for-humanity-summit-county-completing-new-housing-development-akron-north-hill/76126834007/?utm_source=nabj-DailyBriefing&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=daily-briefing&utm_term=hero&utm_content=OHIO-AKRON-NLETTER65

What's happening with Water 9 development in Portage Lakes?

Alan Ashworth

Akron Beacon Journal

 

The local businessman behind New Franklin's biggest development this century said he's hoping to see actual home construction in 2025.

Tim Adkins, owner of several The Basement Sports Bar & Grills and other restaurants in Summit County, said approvals for the 100-home project on the Portage Lakes have moved slower than he originally anticipated, but he remains optimistic about Water 9's progress in 2025.

 

https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/local/2024/12/26/tim-adkiins-water-9-portage-lakes-development-update/76829681007/?utm_source=nabj-DailyBriefing&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=daily-briefing&utm_term=Content List - Stacking - optimized&utm_content=OHIO-AKRON-NLETTER65

4 historic buildings in Akron and Barberton to be rehabilitated with aid from tax credits

Mark J. Price

 

Four buildings in Akron and Barberton will be rehabilitated with the aid of historic preservation tax credits from Ohio.

The former downtown Akron YWCA, an East Market Street warehouse, the old Barberton Herald building and an adjacent commercial structure are among 37 projects that will receive $56 million to preserve 42 buildings across the state.

 

The projects are expected to draw $715 million in private investments. 

 

https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/2024/12/28/akron-barberton-ohio-buildings-rehabilitated-fixed-historic-preservation-tax-credits/77171476007/

 

More details about the projects in the article above.

A look at 11 of the largest development milestones coming to Summit County in 2025

Patrick Williams

Akron Beacon Journal

 

What growth and development milestones can Summit County expect for 2025 as some landmarks change hands and new projects take shape?

Here's a look at some of the most significant work awaiting in the Greater Akron area in the new year, with impacts expected on local workforces, residential opportunities, commerce and infrastructure.

 

https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/local/2025/01/02/2025-development-projects-summit-county-akron-norton-stow-cuyahoga-falls-barberton-huntington-amazon/76574285007/?utm_source=nabj-DailyBriefing&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=daily-briefing&utm_term=hero&utm_content=OHIO-AKRON-NLETTER65

What’s coming to your Akron neighborhood from the $368 million capital budget?

by London Green and Akron Documenters

January 17, 2025

 

Akron Mayor Shammas Malik presented his 2025 capital budget to members of City Council Jan. 6 and Jan. 13. The budget process commenced in the summer — requests were submitted by each city department and City Council members — with a focus on public engagement.

 

At ward meetings throughout the city, residents were asked to point out investments they thought should receive priority in the budget. Priorities fell into five categories: parks and recreation, transportation, public facilities, housing and community service and public safety.

 

... 

 

Community members are invited to comment on the legislation during a public meeting at 5 p.m. on Jan. 27 at Akron City Council Chambers, 166 S. High Street. The hearing will also be streamed via the council’s YouTube channel.

 

https://signalakron.org/whats-coming-to-your-neighborhood-from-akron-368-million-capital-budget/

What's happening with the former Larry's Main Entrance building? It's been purchased

Kerry Clawson

Akron Beacon Journal

 

For those wondering what's happening at the former Larry's Main Entrance property at 1964 W. Market St. in Akron, George Michaels and family have bought the building from former owner Ed Snyder for private use.

"It's literally like our own office space," the Sharon Township resident said, describing it as a family investment property.

 

https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/entertainment/2025/01/16/local-businessman-buys-larrys-building-in-west-akron/77694372007/

With West Akron development taking shape, what's in store for Residences at Good Park?

Patrick Williams

Akron Beacon Journal

 

Buyers of the residences will see a roughly 50% property tax abatement.

The project is split into three phases, beginning with lots where buyers can choose their own builder to custom-construct a home, followed by townhomes and additional single-family homes.

Home costs will be subject to change. The townhomes have a $275,000 introductory price, and lots for the customized homes start at $55,000.

 

https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/local/2025/01/22/akron-beacon-journal-housing-news-residences-good-park-development-updates-perkins-middle-school/77514189007/?utm_source=nabj-DailyBriefing&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=daily-briefing&utm_term=hero&utm_content=OHIO-AKRON-NLETTER65

Akron's East End polishes up a storied Goodyear space with renovation of Mahogany Row

Patrick Williams

Akron Beacon Journal

 

Oak, maple and walnut grace the former suites of Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. executives in Akron, emanating rich hues as snow steadily accumulates outside on a winter afternoon.

In this historic space at 1200 E. Market St., new windows and light fixtures complement older features in preparation for the arrival of a more-than-century-old law firm. Brass chandeliers hang from the ceiling of the former Goodyear board chairman's office.

 

https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/business/2025/02/03/east-ends-mahogany-row-getting-new-tenant-in-former-goodyear-space/78091614007/

 

 

10 years into Akron's East End, what's happening inside the former Goodyear headquarters?

Patrick Williams

Akron Beacon Journal

 

Multiple commercial and residential tenants have moved into the more-than-400-acre East End development, Goodyear's former headquarters, since the East End opened with the Hilton Garden Inn in 2014.

The East End, developed by IRG, the same group that created Goodyear's current headquarters, honors the history of the rubber company's former campus via signage and preserving architectural features.

Plans for more commercial spaces and apartments and the razing of old buildings proceed as development stakeholders praise the site and its ownership group's progress so far.

 

https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/local/2025/02/03/akron-east-end-redevelopment-thriving-on-former-goodyear-hq-campus/77584326007/

Akron to plant 1,800 trees on devil strips, spend $750,000 to increase canopy 

by Susan Zake

February 5, 2025

 

About 1,800 new trees will be planted on Akron’s tree lawns (often referred to as devil strips in the city) in 2025 at a cost of $750,000. The native tree species of Northern Red Oak, Serviceberry and Sugar Maple will help increase the city’s tree canopy, which is projected to decrease 4% over the next 15 years.

 

...

 

The city is planning a nursery that will break ground in the spring, said Jon Malish, the city’s arborist, with the intent of growing street trees and possibly developing a tree giveaway program. The idea, he said during the committee meeting, is to help increase the canopy in the city. He said the only way to successfully grow it will be to plant more trees on private land.

 

Several years ago, the City of Akron employed one certified arborist who had to oversee and manage every city tree in all 10 wards. Three certified arborists are now working for the city to help manage and maintain tree planting and maintenance. Tree planting this year will be focused in the south and southwest areas of the city, where tree canopy coverage is most limited. 

 

https://signalakron.org/akron-to-plant-1800-trees-on-devil-strips-spend-750000-to-increase-canopy/

Akron likely to increase spending toward affordable housing, home repair, demolitions

Funding part of capital budget proposal set for approval Monday by City Council.

by Arielle Kass February 9, 2025

 

Akron Mayor Shammas Malik wants to support new affordable housing in the city, help with minor home repairs and help fund needed demolitions, among other housing priorities in the capital budget City Council is due to vote on Monday.

The budget proposal includes new programs, like one that would provide downpayment assistance to new homeowners in the city and another that would help some homes in Akron get solar panels, reducing energy bills. 

 

https://signalakron.org/akron-likely-to-increase-spending-toward-affordable-housing-home-repair-demolitions/?_hsenc=p2ANqtz--NGfPLrwEex2VVUsXylTAuuQIWUbQQpXRldqWbghpR58jqjPTFtXlXLPY_gBBZToQAPzkyTM0lD1677gLAEd_OE2Xv-A&_hsmi=346472808

Capital budget approved by Akron City Council — highlights include trees, sidewalks, lead abatement

Affordable housing, community centers, roads join sewer and water infrastructure on the list for 2025.

by Reegan Davis Saunders February 10, 2025

 

Akron City Council gave the green light Monday to Mayor Shammas Malik’s $368 million capital budget for 2025, with members voting unanimously in its favor.

Some of the highlights include residential and commercial demolition, tree planting and maintenance, sidewalk repair and plans to reduce the number of lead lines in Akron, said At-Large Council Member Jeff Fusco during Monday’s meeting. He added that this budget represents the end of ARPA funds, which had to be allocated by the end of 2024 and must be spent by Dec. 31, 2026. 

 

https://signalakron.org/capital-budget-approved-by-akron-city-council-highlights-include-trees-sidewalks-lead-abatement/?_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_tUA5UeRCFW81iVMGiK11rF9qLU2whaCUwegVI5d6Ld60xGhsNL_I1CSlIc4FP985crGBVSgZ8emNbspKl8McsWzXWRw&_hsmi=346966604

Residents evacuated from troubled Akron apartment building still unable to return

South Main Street building still unrepaired, tenants in limbo with few options for housing.

by Doug Brown March 10, 2025

 

In the weeks since the residents of a dangerously derelict Akron apartment building were forced out with only what they could carry, displaced renters say they have received little support from the county that deemed their building unsafe or the city that forced them to leave until structural problems are fixed. The landlord, who they say has not returned rent money, has also not started repairing the building.

“It has been a really expensive ordeal for us,” said tenant Raina Ward, 54, who donated plasma on Friday to get a $5 Burger King gift card and enough money to pay for another night of shelter. “Many of us paid our rent, and I had just literally gone to the grocery store. All that food has gone to waste and I’ve had to live in a hotel.”

 

https://signalakron.org/residents-evacuated-from-troubled-akron-apartment-building-still-unable-to-return/?_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_F_Hg2owlWi089cYcjXj0w-j71ZVywpJ-8-FgQTXx33K73ZvGXo-SnJN_0YEDO413uFpbDGcl-lfpmARX_VTNeAa0Rlw&_hsmi=350899190

 

 

Akron’s Innerbelt project at risk of losing $10 million in federal funds

U.S. Department of Transportation is reviewing grants that didn’t have an agreement in place before 2025.

by Arielle Kass March 7, 2025

 

A $10 million federal grant to help redevelop a decommissioned portion of Akron’s Innerbelt is at risk of being recalled.

The money, awarded in January from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program, is meant to help the city implement its redevelopment ideas for the Innerbelt, which former Mayor Dan Horrigan said caused “lasting harm” to a once-vibrant Black community.

 

https://signalakron.org/akrons-innerbelt-project-at-risk-of-losing-10-million-in-federal-funds/?_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9PvUC1fSGTTGQylOQfaDH3UElH-lzci6pjbREPYX7hm9CW7EX587NSiz9Hxcn86bHJiYXpWCrhX6YfRo4mFoqF_-1Shw&_hsmi=350899190

7 hours ago, yanni_gogolak said:

Residents evacuated from troubled Akron apartment building still unable to return

South Main Street building still unrepaired, tenants in limbo with few options for housing.

by Doug Brown March 10, 2025

 

In the weeks since the residents of a dangerously derelict Akron apartment building were forced out with only what they could carry, displaced renters say they have received little support from the county that deemed their building unsafe or the city that forced them to leave until structural problems are fixed. The landlord, who they say has not returned rent money, has also not started repairing the building.

“It has been a really expensive ordeal for us,” said tenant Raina Ward, 54, who donated plasma on Friday to get a $5 Burger King gift card and enough money to pay for another night of shelter. “Many of us paid our rent, and I had just literally gone to the grocery store. All that food has gone to waste and I’ve had to live in a hotel.”

 

https://signalakron.org/residents-evacuated-from-troubled-akron-apartment-building-still-unable-to-return/?_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_F_Hg2owlWi089cYcjXj0w-j71ZVywpJ-8-FgQTXx33K73ZvGXo-SnJN_0YEDO413uFpbDGcl-lfpmARX_VTNeAa0Rlw&_hsmi=350899190

 

omg 

 

Its current owner and landlord, Robert L. Johnson, took over the business just months after serving more than three decades for a murder conviction when he was 15, and he’s now awaiting trial on felony kidnapping and assault charges after he was arrested at the building in November.

Rubber City Heritage Trail will run through disinvested communities on Akron’s east side

Phase two of the 6-mile trail is expected to be finished in 2026.

by Reegan Davis Saunders March 12, 2025

 

Work is set to begin this spring on the second phase of the Rubber City Heritage Trail, a 6-mile, multi-use recreational trail that will utilize one of Akron’s abandoned railways.  

While the former rail line connected Akron’s rubber industry — tire companies such as B.F. Goodrich, Goodyear, General Tire and Firestone — the finished trail will connect some of Akron’s neighborhoods (Goodyear Heights, Middlebury, University of Akron, downtown Akron, Firestone Park, Summit Lake and Kenmore). 

 

https://signalakron.org/rubber-city-heritage-trail-will-run-through-disinvested-communities-on-akron-east-side/?_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9HYiXhbFI7ykwn7w8cmMZbTHWOpxO0IDE0h956jDCaoIpP84NJV1uDdHyXg8nFCaEQ1b-Jnxr4HKQCqIb1K13N1TeS9Q&_hsmi=351355812

Local history: Remember Quaker Square? Architect recalls debut 50 years ago

 

Mark J. Price

Akron Beacon Journal

 

The lights are dim, the corridors are empty, the stores are gone.

It’s hard to believe that this historic building is the same place that packed in crowds and generated excitement in the 1970s and 1980s.

Quaker Square is a husk of its former self in downtown Akron.

 

https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/2025/03/29/architect-ted-curtis-recalls-quaker-squares-debut-50-years-ago/82650422007/

The aroma of those oatmeal raisin cookies hitting you when you first stepped in to Quaker Square is something I'll always remember about going there when I was a kid.

Fairlawn takes next step on Croghan Park project

April 10, 2025
By Abby Cymerman

 

FAIRLAWN — During the April 7 meeting of Fairlawn City Council, Parks and Recreation Director Laurie Beisecker and Service Director Ernie Staten announced Croghan Park will close April 14 for construction.
Staten said the park, at the intersection of North Miller Road and Sand Run Parkway, will be fenced off, and the driveways will close to allow for the use of heavy construction equipment. The former park pavilion has already been demolished, and that space will become a seating area with trees for shade. Staten said the tennis courts will be resurfaced and repainted.
On Feb. 18, Beisecker said the Fairlawn Board of Audit approved the purchase of new playground equipment for Croghan Park from Snider Recreation of North Royalton. The equipment will include swings for toddlers and children; straight, curved and corkscrew slides; climbing features; a bridge; oversized Adirondack chairs and more. Staten said the park is expected to reopen by Memorial Day.

 

https://www.akron.com/articles/fairlawn-takes-next-step-on-croghan-park-project/

On 4/10/2025 at 11:31 AM, yanni_gogolak said:

Fairlawn takes next step on Croghan Park project

April 10, 2025
By Abby Cymerman

 

FAIRLAWN — During the April 7 meeting of Fairlawn City Council, Parks and Recreation Director Laurie Beisecker and Service Director Ernie Staten announced Croghan Park will close April 14 for construction.
Staten said the park, at the intersection of North Miller Road and Sand Run Parkway, will be fenced off, and the driveways will close to allow for the use of heavy construction equipment. The former park pavilion has already been demolished, and that space will become a seating area with trees for shade. Staten said the tennis courts will be resurfaced and repainted.
On Feb. 18, Beisecker said the Fairlawn Board of Audit approved the purchase of new playground equipment for Croghan Park from Snider Recreation of North Royalton. The equipment will include swings for toddlers and children; straight, curved and corkscrew slides; climbing features; a bridge; oversized Adirondack chairs and more. Staten said the park is expected to reopen by Memorial Day.

 

https://www.akron.com/articles/fairlawn-takes-next-step-on-croghan-park-project/

Thanks for posting this, I wasn’t aware that there was a park here. I Google street viewed it and it looks great. I’m definitely taking my son here the next time we visit Akron. 

On 4/11/2025 at 6:05 PM, jeremyck01 said:

Thanks for posting this, I wasn’t aware that there was a park here. I Google street viewed it and it looks great. I’m definitely taking my son here the next time we visit Akron. 

Oh yes. Croghan is a great neighborhood park.

What’s next for Akron’s Fountain Street waste transfer station?

Akron’s service director answers questions about the future of Middlebury’s controversial WM facility.

by Reegan Davis Saunders April 14, 2025

 

More than 50 residents gathered Thursday evening to ask city officials about the Fountain Street waste transfer facility’s future once WM completes its new East Akron waste transfer facility. 

The Yours and Mine Akron United Communities Civics Organization, which hosts a community forum on the second Thursday of every month, invited Akron’s Director of Public Service Chris Ludle and Environmental Services Manager Emily Collins to the meeting at the NIHF STEM High School, the former Robinson Community Learning Center. 

 

https://signalakron.org/whats-next-for-akrons-fountain-street-waste-transfer-station/?_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_53c0ziR974f9q03em8jvkLRFCAuy5C28sq_WPKGwXEDYHL4XKi9xfLTiZ4SIipIlobbhCuvFqnzUUAwGC0ukgF1T7zA&_hsmi=356506710

Petitti Garden Centers opens location in Bath

April 17, 2025
By Staff Writer

 

BATH — Petitti Garden Centers celebrated the opening of its 10th location April 10. Located at 395 Springside Drive in the Montrose retail district, the 140,000-square-foot home and garden shopping destination has three levels.
The new store represents a multi-million-dollar investment in a 6-acre property with a complex office building that previously housed a construction company, law firm and a weight loss center, but sat largely vacant in recent years.

 

https://www.akron.com/articles/petitti-garden-centers-opens-location-in-bath/

Akron Zoo breaks ground on new animal hospital

 

The Akron Zoo broke ground on its new animal hospital on April 11. Akron Zoo president & CEO, Doug Piekarz, along with U.S. Congresswoman Emilia Sykes, State representatives Bill Roemer, Veronica Sims and Derrick Hall and other elected officials took part in the ceremonial groundbreaking on Friday morning. 

The Tom and Shelley Koutnik Animal Hospital will open in 2026 and is an $11.95 million project. The Akron Zoo provides in-house care for thousands of animals on a daily basis, including regular check-ups, management of diseases and chronic conditions, surgeries and end-of-life care. The 11,949 square-foot building will include a state-of-the-art surgery suite,
intensive care unit and specialized spaces for the different species, including birds, hoofstock, primates and
large carnivores.  

 

https://www.akronzoo.org/news/akron-zoo-breaks-ground-new-animal-hospital?mc_cid=4d67d5e9c6&mc_eid=6e7996b64c

Akron’s West Hill neighborhood is getting its ‘green space back’

by Reegan Davis Saunders

May 14, 2025

More than 150 people gathered at Glendale Park, a gravel-filled lot located across the street from the Glendale Steps, for the first West Hill Wednesday event of the year. The May 7 gathering served as a preview for the reimagining of the space that will become home to West Hill’s new park.

As part of a push from the Friends of Glendale Park and the West Hill Neighborhood Organization, among other community groups, the parking lot — originally intended to be a park connected to the Glendale Steps — will now be developed into a usable recreation site for Akron residents.

In recent years, the site has been used as a staging area for construction related to various sewer projects across the city, said Akron Planning Director Kyle Julien. The city now plans to spread grass seed on the site and is considering planting a wildflower meadow on the corner near Glendale Cemetery.

https://signalakron.org/akron-west-hill-neighborhood-is-getting-its-green-space-back-park/

Croghan Park project nearly complete, dedication set for June 2

May 22, 2025

By Staff Writer

FAIRLAWN — The $500,000 family-friendly Croghan Park project, at the intersection of North Miller Road and Sand Run Parkway, is almost finished. According to Fairlawn Service Director Ernie Staten, turf and mulch will be added this week, and repairs will be finished at the park’s two basketball courts, three tennis courts and two handball courts. Staten said the new playground replaces 22-year-old equipment and better meets safety requirements. He said the park will offer Wi-Fi and include safety cameras. The city’s tornado siren will remain in the park. In addition to this new spot for play dates, the park features trees, picnic tables, benches, parking lots on North Miller and Sand Run, as well as two portable toilets, one of which is wheelchair-accessible. Initially planned to open by Memorial Day, the city has announced it will now host Croghan Park’s opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony June 2 at 5 p.m.

Akron.com - Akron, OH

Croghan Park project nearly complete, dedication set for...

New Girl Scouts STEM Center to help youth develop critical skills for in-demand careers (photos)

• Updated: May. 23, 2025, 8:22 a.m.

• |Published: May. 23, 2025, 8:10 a.m.

PENINSULA, Ohio – The Girl Scouts of North East Ohio will welcome its first field trip to the new Vivian von Gruenigen, MD STEM Center of Excellence at Camp Ledgewood today.

The $8 million center, located within the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, offers hands-on education in science, technology, engineering and math to help area youth develop skills needed for in-demand jobs. The center will serve the area’s 19,000 Girl Scouts as well as being a field trip destination for area elementary schools.

https://www.cleveland.com/akron/2025/05/new-girl-scouts-stem-center-to-help-youth-develop-critical-skills-for-in-demand-careers-photos.html?e=04b384150ba93fa19e5b286d3d9842f4&lctg=5ecf21bc9770376d17022543

Akron opens large new splash pad near city’s downtown

Published: Jun. 09, 2025

By Megan Becka, special to cleveland.com

AKRON, Ohio – Akronites who are looking for a place to cool down this summer have a new option thanks to the opening of the Elizabeth Park Splash Pad, located at 40 E. Lods St.

The city celebrated the opening of the 2,600 square-foot splash pad on Friday along with neighbors, partners and project supporters. The Friends of Elizabeth Park and Akron Parks Collaborative chose the splash pad’s river theme, according to the city. The pad offers 15 different water features for people of various ages and abilities.

The project was funded by $278,800 in Community Development Block Grant funding, according to Akron’s Director of Communications Stephanie Marsh.

cleveland

Akron opens large new splash pad near city’s downtown

The city of Akron and the Akron Parks Collaborative dedicated the $278,800 Elizabeth Park splash pad on June 6.

Akron seeks developers for 50 lots in Summit Lake

Published: Jun. 11, 2025

By Staff report

AKRON, Ohio -- The city of Akron is asking developers for proposals to purchase and develop 50 lots in the historic Summit Lake neighborhood.

The city is offering the land for the development of single-family homes, duplexes, townhouses and small apartment buildings, the city announced in a news release.

cleveland

Akron seeks developers for 50 lots in Summit Lake

Developers can request multiple parcels for single-family homes, duplexes, townhouses or small apartment buildings with two-year completion requirement

Akron opens new $7.8M community center

Published: Jun. 11, 2025

By Megan Becka, special to cleveland.com

AKRON, Ohio – The city of Akron on Tuesday celebrated the opening of the new 12,400-square-foot Patterson Park Community Center, located at 800 Patterson Ave.

The new community center replaces the 8,300-square-foot community center that was previously located on the site.

...

The community center is one story and features an Americans With Disabilities Act-accessible entry located off Patterson Avenue, according to the city. The center provides ample space for recreation such as indoor volleyball, pickleball and basketball. The center also has meeting rooms, a multipurpose room, a game room, an art/gardening room and a new outdoor playground.

https://www.cleveland.com/akron/2025/06/akron-opens-new-78m-community-center.html

APS provides update on Pfeiffer-Miller South building project

June 12, 2025

By Abby Cymerman

DOWNTOWN AKRON —The Akron Public Schools (APS) Board of Education continued to hear from community members June 9 who are concerned about the future of the combined Pfeiffer Elementary and Miller South School for the Visual and Performing Arts school on the site of the former Kenmore High School.
On May 19, the district reported that due to increased inflation, higher labor costs and tariffs on construction supplies, the total costs for the project in Kenmore are estimated at $76 million, leaving a $13 million shortfall, and several options were introduced, which left many community members with more questions than answers.

https://www.akron.com/articles/aps-provides-update-on-pfeiffer-miller-south-building-project/

Logan Field House project progressing

June 12, 2025

By Eric Poston

Construction has begun on the new Logan Field House at Logan Field in Coventry. Photo: Eric Poston

Shown at left are renderings of what the new Logan Field House will look like once construction is complete. Rendering courtesy of Coventry Township

COVENTRY — Construction of the new Logan Field House at Logan Field is underway with an estimated completion date expected in late August or early September.
Coventry Township Trustee Edward Diebold said underground utilities have been installed and block work is now beginning.
The township utilized American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for the project and in December 2024, Coventry Township Trustees approved $1.1 million for the project. Diebold called the field house a “legacy item” for the community, which he felt was a good use of the money.

https://www.akron.com/articles/logan-field-house-project-progressing/