By Dave Jackson
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The podcast currently has 96 episodes available.
November 5, 2024, marks an engaging episode of the Akron Podcast, where listeners are welcomed with the excitement of civic engagement and local happenings. The show kicks off with a reminder for voters about the importance of participating in the elections, noting poll hours and providing links for those unsure of their voting locations. Beyond the ballots, the episode introduces Swenson's, an iconic Akron eatery, celebrating the season with their limited-time Thanksgiving on a Bun sandwich. This festive offering includes a turkey burger adorned with Swiss cheese, stuffing, and cranberry mayo, paired with sweet potato waffle fries—a culinary delight that embodies the spirit of Thanksgiving while highlighting local businesses. The episode further explores Swenson's 90th anniversary, emphasizing the restaurant's legacy and community involvement.
Transitioning from food to leisure, the episode marks the opening of Topgolf Akron, a rebranded venue promising entertainment for golf enthusiasts. Listeners are treated to a description of the unique experience offered at Topgolf, including the technology that tracks swings and distances, making it an inviting space for both beginners and pros. However, the podcast does not shy away from addressing the more serious aspects of community life, discussing recent incidents of violence in Akron. The tone shifts as the host reflects on tragic events, urging a collective reconsideration of community engagement and safety. This juxtaposition of festive local culture with pressing social issues paints a vibrant yet sobering portrait of Akron life.
The episode also dives into pressing financial matters within the State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio, revealing the controversial exit package of Bill Neville amidst public discontent and calls for reform. The discussion touches on themes of accountability, highlighting the disparity between executive compensation and the financial struggles faced by teachers and retirees. This segment serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing challenges within educational systems and the importance of transparency. As the episode wraps up, listeners are invited to the Akron Children's Hospital annual Holiday Tree Festival, an event that encapsulates the spirit of giving and community support, offering a chance for families to engage in holiday festivities while contributing to a good cause. Through a blend of celebration, civic duty, and critical social commentary, the Akron Podcast for November 5 provides a rich tapestry of the community's current landscape.
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In a proactive step against gun violence, Akron City Council has approved new funding for a violence prevention program, set to launch in January 2025. Following a recent surge in local shootings, the council will use nearly $185,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act to hire three 'credible messengers'—individuals with criminal pasts who’ve since turned their lives around. These messengers will work with street teams to identify potential violence hotspots using Akron Police Department shooting reports. Public Safety Strategist Tony Ingram explains that these teams will build relationships with high-risk individuals, families, and communities, aiming to prevent violence before it escalates and curb retaliations after incidents.
Cop Smashes Bartenders CarIt was just past 1 a.m. on October 20th when what started as an average night in Highland Square took a sudden turn. Residents were jolted by the sound of an Akron police cruiser crashing into a parked car on West Market Street, setting off a chain reaction that left four cars damaged.
Among those affected was Steven Rockich, a bartender at Square Nightclub, who discovered his car—a 2010 Mazda 3—smashed beyond repair. 'It looked like an accordion,' Rockich shared, now left without reliable transportation and waiting for some form of accountability.
Help him get a new car, cause so far the cops aren't helping. If you are interested in donating, click here.
Issues 41 and 42
ISSUE 41
Certain family members of classified employees who earn at least $80,000 a year are prohibited from working for the county under the existing charter.
Issue 41 proposes three changes to Article V of the charter, where that rule is codified. The first change would clarify that the rule only applies to relatives of employees in county charter offices — those include the county executive, the county fiscal officer, the county prosecutor, the clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, the county engineer, the county sheriff and the members of the County Council, said Greta Johnson, a public information officer for the Summit County Executive’s office.
ISSUE 42
Issue 42 seeks to amend the county charter to require all county offices, agencies, authorities, boards and commissions to submit estimated revenues and proposed expenditures annually rather than quarterly.
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This episode provides crucial information about Akron's leaf removal schedule, ensuring residents are prepared for the upcoming season. The hosts discuss how each ward in Akron has different leaf pickup dates, emphasizing the importance of knowing your specific ward to avoid missing the collection. Listeners will learn how to easily find their ward through the Akron City Council website, which offers a straightforward mapping tool. Additionally, the episode outlines essential rules for leaf disposal, such as placing leaves no more than two feet from the curb and avoiding mixing yard waste. Following these guidelines, residents can ensure a stress-free and efficient leaf pickup season, keeping their streets clean and clear for the city crews.
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SCHEDULE
Find your Ward At https://www.akroncitycouncil.org/find-my-ward
November 4: Leaf pickup in Ward 5.
November 6: Leaf pickup in Ward 3.
November 8: Leaf pickup in Ward 9.
November 12: Leaf pickup in Ward 7.
November 15: Leaf pickup in Ward 6.
November 19: Leaf pickup in Ward 4.
November 25: Leaf pickup in Ward 8.
December 4: Leaf pickup in Ward 1.
December 7: Leaf pickup in Ward 2.
December 11: Leaf pickup in Ward 10.
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Akron City Council voted 10-3 Monday night to move forward on a heavily contested plan to build a modern waste transfer station at a different site than its current operations.
The three council members who voted against the proposal were Johnnie Hannah (Ward 5), Margo Sommerville (Ward 3) and Jan Davis (Ward 4).
We are told, "it won't smell..."
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Today, we introduce two AI Anchors that help me share information. While they are not real, they sound real and will help me consistently get more information out.
Today, you will hear about a ruling on the Police shooting from April 1st. Also, there has been an update on who pays the settlement for Jaylon Walker and how much it is.
Got an Opinion? Share it!Go to www.akronpodcast.com/voicemail
Sources:Beacon Journal on Jaylon Walker
Findings on April 1 shooting.
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At an Akron City Council meeting, Brian Lucey, representing Akron's Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 7, stated the union's willingness to engage in discussions on police reform, offering to meet with anyone at any time for this purpose. Lucey's remarks were prompted by Councilman James Hardy's suggestion to pause discussions on a new police headquarters until reform is achieved. Councilwoman Jan Davis echoed the need for dialogue on policing in Akron.
Hardy expressed support for Davis' call for reform-oriented conversations, indicating his intention to vote against funding for a new police department until meaningful reform discussions take place. He emphasized the importance of involving all stakeholders in these talks and advocated for a new standard for police-community relations.
Lucey accused Hardy of supporting police defunding, which Hardy refuted, citing his past support for police funding increases. Hardy emphasized the necessity of rethinking the current approach to policing and promoting constructive dialogue rather than divisive rhetoric.
Both Hardy and Davis emphasized the importance of involving Akron's underserved communities in reform discussions and expressed readiness to collaborate with the union and other stakeholders to initiate proactive conversations aimed at positive change.
Parasson's Closing All But One Location
Parasson's is closing all of their locations except for the on on Waterloo road. The Stow location on Darrow Road closed last Saturday, and the Barberton location at 234 Wooster Road. So if you want some of their yummy garlic bread, you need to visit the Waterloo road location.
Will Akron Have to Deal with Cicadas?Fortunately, according to the University of Connecticut, Ohio is not in the path of the two broods set to emerge across much of the Southeast and Midwest.
Construction Updatesaccording to the Ohio Department of Transportation.
Beginning 5 a.m. Wednesday, South Street eastbound from state Route 93/Manchester Road will be closed through early September. The detour will be Thornton Street to Rhodes Street to Lakeshore Boulevard to South Street.
Beginning 7 p.m. Friday, SR 93/Manchester Road at South Street will be closed until 7 a.m. Saturday morning for a bridge deck pour. The northbound detour will be Kenmore Boulevard to Lakeshore Boulevard to Thornton Street. The southbound detour will be Thornton Street to Rhodes Street to Lakeshore Boulevard to South Street.
Other New traffic patterns
According to the Ohio Department of Transportation.
Beginning 5 a.m. Wednesday, South Street eastbound from state Route 93/Manchester Road will be closed through early September. The detour will be Thornton Street to Rhodes Street to Lakeshore Boulevard to South Street.
Beginning 7 p.m. Friday, SR 93/Manchester Road at South Street will be closed until 7 a.m. Saturday morning for a bridge deck pour. The northbound detour will be Kenmore Boulevard to Lakeshore Boulevard to Thornton Street. The southbound detour will be Thornton Street to Rhodes Street to Lakeshore Boulevard to South Street.
Other new traffic patterns
At 8 p.m. Friday, state Route 21 northbound under Interstate 77 in Copley Township will be closed through 5 a.m. May 6 for bridge work. The detour will be I-77 southbound to Ridgewood Road to I-77 northbound.
State Route 303 east of I-77 is also closed for pavement repairs. The detour is Interstate 271 to I-77 to state Route 176 to SR 303.
Andre Bernier is Retiring in MayFox 8 meteorologist Andre Bernier will give his final forecast on May 22, retiring after more than 36 years with the television station.
Andre Bernier announced his retirement on the same day as his birthday.
Rubber City Heritage Trail Phase 2The second phase of the Rubber City Heritage Trail will include 10-foot wide asphalt trail pavement, wayfinding signage, miniature neighborhood trail plazas, viewing benches, improved street crossings, and conduits for future fiber optic network expansion as well as additional sidewalks connecting the Middlebury Marketplace and Arlington Street. Construction is planned for the summer of 2025.
According to a news release from the city, the project won't impact environmentally sensitive resources, and all construction will occur on city lands.
Phase 2 of the trail starts at Exchange Street, next to Fire Station 2, and ends at Huntington Avenue, across from Dollar General.
The Rubber City Heritage Trail is a proposed multi-use trail linking the Akron neighborhoods of East Akron, Middlebury, University of Akron, South Akron, Firestone Park, and Kenmore via an abandoned rail line.
Until May 30, questions and concerns can be sent to project manager David Clapp at [email protected] or mailed to Clapp at the Akron Engineering Bureau at 166 South High Street, Design Division Room 701, Akron, Ohio 44308.
MGM Center Stage May CalendarCheck who is coming
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Welcome back to the Akron Podcast, where we tackle the tough stories affecting our community. Today is April 11th, 2024, and we have a difficult topic. This isn't an April Fool's Day prank—it's a serious incident involving Tavion Koonce-Williams, a 15-year-old East High School student whom an Akron police officer shot under contentious circumstances.
Reports indicate that Williams was carrying what appeared to be a gun—but was later revealed to be a toy—as he was walking home. A concerned citizen's call to the police led to a confrontation that ended with Williams being shot in the hand by Officer Ryan Westlake, a cop with a checkered past, including being previously fired and reinstated.
The bodycam footage is out for public scrutiny and raises alarming concerns. Why do our teens feel the need to carry fake guns for protection? And why was Officer Westlake, with a history of unprofessional conduct, allowed back on the force, only to be involved in another controversial shooting? We'll delve into Westlake's disciplinary record, examine the city's handling of the case, and look at how this repeats patterns we've seen in previous incidents.
It's a tragic story with far-reaching implications, and it leaves us asking hard questions about police accountability, community safety, and the deep-seated issues that lead to such incidents. Join us as we explore this crucial matter on the Akron Podcast.
Sources:
https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/2024/04/08/akron-police-officer-who-shot-teen-was-fired-reinstated-in-2021/73242042007/
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Akron police and EMS were dispatched to the scene at about 11:15 p.m. Tuesday. They found the victim, an employee at the store, with an apparent gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at 11:38 p.m.
The shooting occurred after a man approached the drive-thru window on foot seeking to buy black and mild cigars, Akron police Capt. Michael Miller said.
He handed the clerk some cash that was in poor condition, possibly with soil or blood, Miller said. A dispute quickly broke out over the condition of the money. The suspect then pulled out a long-barreled rifle. That's when the clerk returned the cigar to the suspect and asked him to leave with it.
Before fleeing on foot, the suspect fired at least two shots through the window at the group of employees inside the drive-thru, striking the 21-year-old at least once. Shattered glass may have injured others standing nearby, Miller said.
See the Akron Shootings app to see other murders in our city
https://www.mapcustomizer.com/map/Akron-Killings
Updating Towpath TrailThe National Park Service plans to close a large section of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail to visitors.
A 1.5-mile section of the popular trail just north of the Station Road Bridge Trailhead in Brecksville will close on weekdays beginning Dec. 18 through May 3.
Park officials say the closure is needed while crews continue to work on stabilizing the river bank inside of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
The trail will be open to visitors on weekends.
This is part of a two-phase project with work shifting to south of Station Road at a later date.
The construction is part of a $14 million effort to stabilize the trail and tracks for the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad along the Cuyahoga River.
Businesses Open During Street ClosureBusinesses in the area affected by the road closure are open & still accessible, including the Peanut Shoppe of Akron (Hours until Dec. 24th: Monday - Friday 10 am - 5 pm, Saturday 10 am - 4 pm, & Sunday 1 pm - 4 pm.), ChillandIndulge (see the 2nd picture for some of their holiday offerings), Crave, Unknwn, and others.
Don't forget: The Peanut Shoppe has seasonal round tins & boxes for gift-giving, & will also take your order by phone & ship it to anywhere in the U.S. of A. 330-376-7020)
Okay, now the road closure information
The affected area is S. Main St., between Church St. and University Ave.
WHEN:
This stretch of road will be closed on Monday, December 11 through Friday, December 22
WHY:
The closure is for Emergency Sewer Repair.
On Monday, December 11, Kenmore Construction Co. and the City of Akron plan to close S. Main St. to all traffic between Church St. and University Avenue as they begin emergency sewer repair work.
STILL OPEN:
Businesses in the road closure area will still be open and accessible. Park on Church St., University, or in the Summit County or State St. parking decks.
DETOURS:
Southbound traffic will be detoured using E. Bowery St., S. High St., and University Ave.
Northbound traffic will be detoured using University Ave., S. Broadway, and E. Bowery St.
This work is expected to be completed by Friday, December 22.
See the attached image for a map of the detours. For all downtown traffic advisories, visit https://bit.ly/TrafficAdvisoriesDowntownAkron
Christmas Bells Stolen From ChurchChristmas chimes won’t be playing at Arlington Church of the Nazarene in Akron. That’s because someone stole the church’s digital bell speakers right from its bell tower.
The bells chimed on the hours, tolling the hours and twice a day we were playing hymns.
Someone climbed onto the roof of the church and stole the digital speakers from the church bell tower.
“We went up and looked and saw they took out the bolts and cut the wires. And they had to haul it down off the roof. At first, we couldn’t imagine what people would do with it.
The church installed the digital bell system less than a year ago. The church has been in this community for over 100 years.
My Stan Hywet Christmas TourI love Stan Hywet and have been multiple times, and for me, this was not my favorite tour. The house needs no warm-up act. I expected to see some Christmas trees and decorations, and I did see that, but there was no "tour." you just wandered through the house (LOTS OF PEOPLE may have been the reason), and there were reindeer and Santa Clause and the Heat Mizer which I guess were for the kids, but I missed hearing about the house, and the people who lived there more than 100 years ago.
With that said, it was still fun, and awe-inspiring. I love the one window display that showed a model of downtown Akron in 1920 built from a picture. The garden was beautifully lit (I went at night). They had very large trees with music playing which was lovely.
Also, someone needs to teach their kids what "Don't touch" means.. but that's not Stan Hewet's fault.
Order your tickets at https://stanhywet.org/
See My Pics of the Trip
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Akron City Council has implemented new rules, effective January 3, 2024, to restrict public comment during meetings. In an 8-5 vote, the council decided to move the meeting start time to 6:30 p.m. and shift the public comment period to the beginning. However, the most significant change is limiting public comment to 10 speakers per meeting, with individuals allowed to speak only once every 30 days. Residents must fill out an online form by 4 p.m. on the day of the meeting to request to speak, potentially concluding public comment within 30 minutes.
Previously, there were no restrictions on the number of speakers or their frequency, only requiring advance sign-up. The recent weeks had seen over two dozen speakers at council meetings, prompting the new limitations. The council also implemented a ban on backpacks, bags larger than 12” X 6” X 12”, banners, flags, posters, signs, and “noisemakers of any kind.” While some view the move positively for promoting efficiency, others criticize it as limiting citizen participation, with activist Fran Wilson describing it as "fascist."
Council President Margo Sommerville, who proposed the legislation to enhance meeting efficiency and professionalism, stated that the changes address decorum issues and do not intend to limit community perspectives. The decision reflects an effort to balance the need for orderly proceedings with citizens' right to express concerns.
Akron Police Keep Punching People In The FacePolice were called for disorderly teens. So if you don't want to get punched in the face, behave. This happened at 1200 block of Lawton Street.
With that said, Terrelle Harris-Malone was doing what he was told. He was walking away. Video shows he had his hands up as multiple policemen tackled him to the ground, jam his face into the ground, punched him and in general took it to far. In one shot you see him with his one remaining arm still up, not resisting.
19 News obtained Akron Police bodycam of this incident.
The video shows the 19-year-old suspect leaving the scene and encouraging the rest of the group to also leave.
The video does not specifically show the 19-year-old hitting an officer’s arm.
The suspect has his hands in the air and does not appear to be resisting the arrest in the video.
So that task force we created to review the police? This is what you were made for and you need to do something.
Harris-Malone was arrested earlier this year on October 27 and now faces charges of riot, resisting arrest, obstructing official business, and criminal trespass.
Harris-Malone is set to go to trial on February 6.
His lawyer says they plan to file a civil suit against the Akron officers involved.
Three other teens were arrested during the incident.
Akron Police are now investigating the use of force during the incident.
IN RELATED NEWSThe Akron Police Department has quietly updated its internal policies about police shootings and now lists the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation as the default “preferred agency,” instead of its own detectives, to investigate after APD officers kill or seriously injure someone.
While the APD has regularly called on the BCI’s Crime Scene Unit to process scenes of police shootings, Chief Steve Mylett caught the ire of the police union in 2022 when he asked the state agency to conduct the entire investigation into Jayland Walker’s killing. The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 7 filed a grievance that alleged bringing in an outside agency violated its collective bargaining contract with the city because that work, it said, should have gone to APD detectives.
The BCI’s investigation did not lead to any charges against the eight police officers who fired 94 rounds at Walker, striking him 46 times
Akron Schools Shuffling Students Due to Low EnrollmentThe school board proposed new boundary lines for its six clusters, revealing a plan where every residential address in the city is assigned an elementary, middle, and high school.
In 2004 we had 37,000 students and now we have under 20,000 students. School enrollment is unbalanced at some school buildings like Harris Jackson, which is overcrowded.
Meanwhile, Schools like Essex Elementary and Firestone Park are planned to close, so their students would be going to other buildings and there are many other moving parts affecting students, families, and employees.
The proposed changes would likely impact transportation but would give parents of students in new schools open enrollment opportunities. source
Akron Has First in State Mobile Mental Health TeamThe city of Akron is stepping up its efforts to make citizens' mental health a priority.
On Monday, City Council voted to approve an $85,000 contract with the Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Services Board (ADM) to establish what they're calling SCOUT, or the Summit County Outreach Team.
It's a first of its kind in Ohio, with a three-member team aboard a vehicle with access to 911 and 988 calls. The unit, comprised of specially trained first responders, will work to de-escalate mental health crises.
Dr. Doug Smith, chief clinician with Summit County ADM, said. "Let's go out before the crisis hits some crescendo where there's really no alternative but to take them — sometimes by force — to get treatment."
SCOUT is expected to launch in spring of 2024. For now, the team will work a day shift, but it plans to expand into a 24-hour service in the future.
The U.S. suicide and crisis lifeline is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988. There is also an online chat at 988lifeline.org.
Map of Christmas Light Displays Across Northeast OhioThe Northeast Ohio Family Fun Site has put together a map showing Christmas light displays worth driving to. You can even click on the address and get a preview of the display. So if you're looking for something different to do before the snow starts to stack up, you can pack the kids in the car and make a night of it.
https://northeastohiofamilyfun.com/must-see-christmas-light-displays-in-northeast-ohio/#Map
Robots Are Taking Care of Your ParentsThe Direction Home Akron Canton Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities recently invested in 2 robots to help in the nursing home worker shortage.
The two recipients included Copley Health Center and the Village of St. Edwards on Fairlawn. Both received a personal robot, to help the aids complete tasks and speed up certain processes
One of the first tasks for Eva, the Copley robot, was helping a resident with a special celebration. It delivered a little cake, and a little drink, and a card. The recipient thought it was cool.
Old Polsky and Oneils Display are Across from the Rink DowntownWinterfest is in full swing in downtown Akron. For those who remember the days of the window displays in Polsky's and Oneil's they are still around and on display. They can be found opposite the ice rink and in the basement near the elevators. These incredible displays are free to enjoy and will be available until the start of the new year. source
Garfield High School Receives 100KFirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) has donated $100,000 to support Akron Public Schools' efforts to bolster student success at Garfield High School through its new FirstEnergy Power Charge Program, which incentivizes good behavior and decision-making at school.
The program recognizes successful students systematically, creating a positive academic culture while reducing disruptive classroom behaviors."
The FirstEnergy funds were used to purchase software that enables Garfield students to digitally manage their reward points and track balances. Students can redeem accumulated points at the FirstEnergy Power Charge school store for items like snacks and school merchandise. The program also integrates financial literacy for students, allowing points to be saved for significant rewards such as prom tickets or other school events
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Beware of a jury duty scam circulating in Summit County, as authorities issue a warning about fraudulent calls threatening fines and arrest for alleged failure to appear. Scammers may demand payments in Bitcoin, falsely claiming that judges accept cryptocurrencies. Summit County government offices do not accept such payments. The scammers may pose as deputies, using real names and ranks of law enforcement personnel, along with spoofed phone numbers to mimic authentic Summit County Sheriff's Office calls. Residents are urged to hang up immediately, verify the call's legitimacy by contacting dispatch at 330-643-2181, and be cautious as the Sheriff's Office does not make such calls regarding warrants or fines.
Almost Shooting a BuchtelA 15-year-old was arrested by Akron police outside Buchtel CLC after a fight. Safety team members observed three male teens in a fight, and one, not a student at the school, was seen with what appeared to be a concealed firearm. The school resource officer and safety team struggled to restrain the armed teen, who reportedly tried reaching for the firearm during the scuffle. The recovered weapon was identified as an AR-style airsoft gun with a loaded magazine containing live .223 caliber ammunition. The 15-year-old, sustaining minor injuries, was taken to Akron Children's Hospital, and charges are pending based on the investigation. Source
He Got Shot in the Face For Not Sharing His Potato ChipsThis story has been updated.
Akron police arrested a man in a nonfatal shooting that left a 31-year-old man hospitalized with a gunshot wound to the face after he declined to share a bag of potato chips, according to an Akron Police Department news release.
Soon after the Tuesday night shooting on the 40 block of Stanton Avenue, investigators identified a 42-year-old as a person of interest. The next day at about 6:30 p.m., officers spotted the man boarding a bus at the Metro Transit on South Broadway Street.
With help from a Regional Transit Authority officer, police stopped the bus at South Broadway Street and East Thornton Street and took the man into custody. He was found in possession of a firearm, which may have been used in the shooting.
Officers charged him with felonious assault and weapons under disability.
Free Art Every ThursdayFeel free to break that early winter funk by visiting AAM to see some funky art! We are free every single Thursday. Keep in mind the parking may not be free.
Hower House MuseumThe Hower House was completed in 1871 and was built by John Henry Hower, a leading Akron industrialist who was active in the milling, reaping, and cereal industries. Hower would become known as the “Father of Akron Industry.”
The house has three floors with a ballroom and servants’ areas on the third floor. Two and a half acres of lawn and stately trees provide a green island of tranquility for The University of Akron campus community.
Today, Hower House remains one of the finest and best-preserved examples of its style in the country. It is supported by private donations, the Hower House Museum Guild, and The University of Akron. The house has become a lasting symbol of an era of elegance in America.
Tours are Friday and Saturday 12-3 and Sundays 1-4. Tickets are $10 with discounts for students, seniors and kids
For more information see https://www.uakron.edu/howerhousemuseum/the-house/
Akron Schools Join Banning PhonesAkron schools have joined the national trend of restricting cell phone use in educational settings, with nearly 77% of U.S. schools enforcing such bans, up from 65% in 2015. In response to a 2023 study revealing that 97% of students use phones for an average of 42 minutes during the school day, Akron has implemented Yondr pouches for middle and high school students. These pouches, equipped with magnetic locks, keep phones secured throughout the day but accessible at day's end. The district conducted a successful pilot program last year, leading to the implementation of the new policy this academic year. While some parents express concerns, administrators plan to review data on the policy's impact on academic achievement, mental health, and behavior at the end of the academic year. Positive changes are reportedly already evident a few months into the school year. source
Akron Launches Safe Place ProgramAkron Mayor Dan Horrigan and Police Chief Steve Mylett have introduced the Safe Place Program, a collaborative initiative with the business community to aid victims of hate crimes and harassment. Participating businesses and organizations will display a decal signifying their commitment as safe places for victims seeking assistance. The decal serves as a symbol to victims, indicating that the location will call 911 on their behalf and provide a secure space until the police arrive. Businesses can easily sign up for the program by contacting the Akron Police Department Community Relations Unit, with participation being voluntary and free. The initiative aims to foster inclusivity and swift support for victims, reinforcing Akron's commitment to safety and diversity. source
Summit Mall Thriving
Leasing is strong at the mall, too, with the addition of new stores bringing the mall to near capacity about mid-2024, Hersh said.
New stores for the holidays and the New YearSummit Mall is thriving. J.D. Sports, a British sports-fashion retail company with about 3,400 locations worldwide, will open before spring.
A recent study by Coresight Research found that traffic at malls last year surged past 2019 levels, climbing 12% for top-tier malls — those in highly affluent areas — and 10% in non-top-tier malls. The study also noted that some online retailers have identified a need for physical storefronts to expand their business.
At Summit Mall, a 10,600-square-foot Kids Empire location will open in 2024 in the old theater space. The location will offer climbing walls, play structures, and drop-in ball pits.
There is at least eight more (shops) within the next six months.
While there are new stores, some old favorites like Spencer's has been at the mall for 58 years. source
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