They say time flies when you’re having fun, but I feel like I blinked and summer is almost over. There’s been a lot going on in Akron and here in Ward 8 and I’d like to highlight a couple of important issues.
- The marijuana dispensary at W. Market and Frank zoning was approved by City Council on July 28 by 11-3 vote. I voted against it because it was the consensus of your calls, texts and emails. I did hear from a few that were in favor, but the vast majority were against, and because I was elected to represent you, I’ll continue to be your collective voice at City Hall. Personally I don’t feel it will negatively affect the neighborhood as some think, or bring crime ( statistics show crime actually drops near dispensaries in Akron). The new building will bring a significant investment to the area and the owners are sound local business folks who live in Ward 8 and surrounding communities. Let’s all hope for the best.
- The ever expanding Smokesho/Vape storefronts will finally be regulated. Akron’s Planning department and Council have an ordinance on our agenda for September that will limit the concentration of these stores (1 mile apart, 500 feet from schools, parks libraries etc) amid other restrictions. There’s currently no zoning laws in Ohio for these stores that pop up almost next to each other and seem to attract kids. This will change and they will be regualted.
There’s more of course, so take a look at the newsletter to see what else is happening. Don’t forget our monthly Ward meeting Wednesday 8/20, details ar below.
And always, it’s a privilege to be our Councilman. Please reach out if you think I can help in any way.
Bruce