Portage Lakes Community

Cuyahoga Falls expands entertainment district

Akron.com News — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 16:33:42 +0000

Added parcels pave way for redevelopment opportunities

CUYAHOGA FALLS — The Downtown Community Cuyahoga Falls Entertainment District is growing after City Council approved an expansion of the community entertainment district (CED) June 22. A public hearing on the request was held June 15.
Community Development Deputy Director Carrie Snyder explained that a CED is a defined geographic area that includes a mix of entertainment, retail, educational, sporting, social and cultural, and arts-related uses that also meet a redevelopment investment threshold. The purpose of a CED, she said, is to provide additional liquor permit opportunities in targeted areas where redevelopment, investment and mixed-use development are encouraged.
Community Development Director Mary Spaugy said the Downtown Community Cuyahoga Falls Entertainment District was implemented in 2017 as an economic development incentive tool to revitalize the downtown corridor. Spaugy explained that when the downtown CED was passed, it excluded the Pilgrim United Church of Christ at 130 Broad Blvd. The church, Spaugy said, is seeking to create a wedding event and reception space, which requires a liquor permit.
The expansion would include Pilgrim, along with Church Square — which includes First Christian Church, St. John’s Episcopal and First United Methodist — and commercial parcels along the river, north of the current district.
The Rev. Joy Fenton-Jones, designated pastor at Pilgrim United Church of Christ, said over the past two years, Pilgrim has worked to engage neighbors in conversation to build relationships and to think imaginatively about what is possible in the historic building.
She said the church has formed a partnership with Mike and Jodie Owen, who own the Jenks Building, along with real estate professional Todd Ederer to facilitate growth.
“We are very excited to enter into this partnership and to utilize our building in ways that are more creative, more community-facing and more aligned with the energy that we experience along Front Street and the downtown area,” Fenton-Jones said. “Being included in the entertainment district is one of the elements of that growth — it’s an opportunity for us to engage the community by hosting weddings and receptions, concerts and arts events, among other things.”
She added that Pilgrim has a long history and a deep commitment to the recovery community in Akron, and will continue to honor its commitments to the many recovery groups that meet in the building, offering a safe and appropriate space for those vital meetings.
Fenton-Jones also noted the partnership includes mandatory provisions that preserve Pilgrim’s historic sanctuary and first addition, ensuring that the church’s steeple “remains a downtown Cuyahoga Falls icon well into the future.” She added all four of the congregations and all five clergy members that serve them are in favor of the expansion.
“We are united in the belief that we can do more to utilize our green space and our buildings in service to the community,” Fenton-Jones said. “Being part of the entertainment district opens up so many possibilities.”
Snyder explained that under Ohio law, most liquor licenses are issued based on population. Cuyahoga Falls currently has 26 D-5 permits with a population of 50,000.
“Recognizing that permit shortages can hinder redevelopment efforts, the Ohio legislature created community entertainment districts as an economic development tool,” Snyder said.
The expansion will allow the city to obtain 15 liquor permits, though not all of them will need to be utilized, according to Spaugy. All parcels in the expansion are zoned MU-5 urban center or MU-6 downtown and support mixed-use development and are consistent with the intent and the requirements of a CED. Expanding the Downtown Community Cuyahoga Falls Entertainment District would not change zoning classifications or permitted land uses for any property, and does not impact the downtown Cuyahoga Falls designated outdoor refreshment area (DORA) or its boundaries.
The ordinance passed 10-0 with Marie Willis-Guarneri (Ward 7) abstaining.
Also during the regular meeting June 22, Mayor Don Walters recognized resident Gail Manning for her community volunteerism.
“We have a lot of amazing community members, as you know, but then we have some that are like the poster child,” Walters said of Manning.
The mayor detailed Manning’s community involvement, which includes: being an Adopt-A-Spot volunteer since 2017; helping plant the butterfly garden at High Bridge Glens and serving as a caretaker of the site, including restocking the Little Free Library in that area; serving on the city’s Tree Board; donating more than 70 hours of volunteer work through the city’s Sustainability Steward program; and helping to direct Bethany United Christian Church’s Green Team for environmental justice.
Community Outreach Coordinator Bryce Pully nominated Manning for the state’s 2026 ServeOhio Award for her service and volunteerism, and the mayor also presented her with a certificate from the city.
Manning thanked Walters and Pully for their civil service and expressed her appreciation for the City of Cuyahoga Falls.
“We have a great mayor [and] a great city here,” she said. “I can’t say enough good things about the city and all the people that I get to interact with.”
Council President Russ Balthis (at large) and Councilwoman Mary Nichols-Rhodes (at large) echoed the mayor’s praises toward Manning.
“You’re everywhere. Anywhere we go, you are there helping,” Nichols-Rhodes said.
During the regular legislative meeting, Council also approved:
• the transfer of $67,000 from the General Fund to the Princeton Crossroads Tax Increment Financing Fund as an advance;
• a three-year contract for overhead power line clearance services, including tree maintenance, tree and brush removal services, and mowing; and
• amending the Traffic Control File to prohibit parking on the west side of Second Street, from Falls to Francis avenues; to remove the parking prohibition on the east side of Second Street, from Falls to Francis avenues; and to remove the center two-way turn lane on Second Street, from Chestnut Boulevard to Francis Avenue.
Cuyahoga Falls City Council will next meet July 13 at 6:30 p.m. at the Natatorium, 2345 Fourth Street.
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Richfield Council approves crosswalk project

Akron.com News — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 16:33:28 +0000

RICHFIELD — Richfield Village Council approved awarding a bid for a crosswalk project at the June 16 meeting.
Planning and Zoning Director Brian Frantz said Village Engineer David Neumeyer solicited bids from Perrin Asphalt, Fechko Excavating and Cavanaugh Building Corp. for a crosswalk and rapid flashing beacon at the intersection of High Street and Broadview Road, with bids due to the village by noon the day of the meeting.
In a letter, Neumeyer said Cavanaugh Building Corp. was the only contractor to offer a bid of $114,610, with a recommended $25,000 contingency.
Frantz said the administration’s intention was to have Council approve walk-up legislation to waive competitive bidding and award the project. According to Frantz, this would allow most of the crosswalk project to be completed before Community Day weekend in August, with delivery of the beacon installed in four to five months.
Council approved the bid 6-0, with Council President Rick Hudak absent.
In other news, Council approved up to $22,000 in expenditures for Community Day.
Mayor Michael Wheeler said the total cost last year was $19,137 after Council approved $18,000 in expenditures, with the current cost at $20,897.
Expenditures include $9,367 to A&B Tent Rental, $1,100 to Sunbelt Rentals, $2,430 to United Rentals and $8,000 to American Fireworks. The cost of the firework display is $15,000, but donations were received from Richfield Township, Winar Connection and Shree Temple. The net cost of the fireworks for the village will be $500 less than last year, and Jay Nye will provide free music.
Council also approved lifting the alcohol prohibition at Richfield Woods Park Aug. 7-9.
In other business, police Chief Mike Swanson said officers conducted 277 traffic stops, 13 misdemeanor arrests and three felony arrest in May, and issued 86 traffic citations, took 65 incident reports and five accident reports.
Councilwoman Carol Campbell announced an order of 50 banners was placed for the Richfield Hometown Heroes program, with the first round of banners expected to be displayed before July Fourth. Applications and payments for the next round are due by July 30, with those banners to be displayed by Labor Day.
Campbell also said a presentation of a signature quilt to the Jan Weber Social Center in honor of the U.S. semiquincentennial will take place July 2 at 11 a.m. inside the center at Town Hall, 4410 W. Streetsboro Road. The dedication luncheon of the Jan Weber Social Center will take place July 9 at 11 a.m. at the center.
Also at the meeting, Councilman Jeff Stoppenhagen introduced an ordinance that would submit to the voters on the Nov. 3 General Election ballot a proposal to amend the appointment process for the Charter Review Commission.
The change would allow the mayor to appoint two members, Council to appoint two members and the final member to be appointed by the mayor and confirmed by a majority of Council. The mayor currently appoints all five members, with Council approval. If amended, the commission would also meet every five years compared its current schedule of every 10 years. Council agreed to discuss the ordinance at a work session.
Council also approved:
• the resignation of Zach Tisdale as a part-time firemedic;
• a conditional zoning certificate to Development Management Group to operate a Dunkin’ Donuts drive-thru restaurant;
• indefinitely tabling a resolution that would lower residency requirements to run for mayor from three years to one year;
• a $3,999 then-and-now certificate for Doug Mayer and Save A Grave for headstone maintenance;
• a $79,293 change order to the contract with Perrin Asphalt for the asphalt paving program;
• a contract with Cost Recovery Corp. LLC for billing and related services for emergency medical services rendered by the village; and
• designating Huntington National Bank, First National Bank, Dollar Bank, Fifth Third Bank and Citizens Bank as public depositories for village funds.
Richfield Village Council will hold a work session June 25, with a regular meeting schedule for July 7, both at 6:30 p.m., at Town Hall.
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Barberton Ward 6 councilman resigns

Akron.com News — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 16:33:15 +0000

Two open Council seats remain unfilled
BARBERTON — Following Barberton Mayor William Judge’s June 15 resignation in the midst of City Council proceedings to remove him from office, Councilman Monte Harris (R-Ward 6) announced his resignation at the conclusion of the June 22 Council meeting.
“This has nothing to do with the previous mayor’s resignation, and everything to do with the lack of integrity, honesty and ethics among other Council members and some of the administration,” Harris wrote in a social media post before the meeting. “I accepted this role to help move our city forward and work toward meaningful solutions for our residents. Unfortunately, I have found that too much of the Council’s time and energy is spent on personal agendas, political games and conflicts that have little to do with serving the people of this community.”
Harris went on to state that “meetings and decision-making processes have become a complete circus rather than a serious effort to govern.”
“Instead of focusing on the city’s needs, there is a constant struggle between competing interests, making it difficult to accomplish anything productive,” he wrote. “Equally concerning is the lack of clear direction for the future of our city. Without a shared vision, strong leadership and a commitment to working together, the city risks stagnation while important issues go unaddressed.”
Harris was sworn into office in January 2024 as part of a group of five newly elected Council members. Newly appointed Council President Rebecca Gearhart (Ward 5) was sworn into office at the June 22 meeting, leaving her ward seat open as well.
Gearhart, formerly Council vice president, moved into the Council presidency when former Council President Shorter Griffin was named mayor after Judge’s resignation. Per the Barberton City Charter, the Council president cannot also be a ward representative.
Gearhart thanked her colleagues, friends and family — in particular, her son — for their support, and pledged to work with Council to continue moving the city forward.
Also at the meeting, Council approved an amendment to the city zoning code to allow for marijuana retail dispensaries, cultivation and processors in the city by a 6-1 vote, with Councilman Dallas Moore (I-Ward 3) voting against the amendment.
A motion by Moore prior to the vote to remove the conditional use requirement for such operations in the city’s corridor districts was defeated 4-3, with Council members Harris, Chris Stohl (D-at large), Jennifer Hager (R-Ward 1) and Bryan Poorman (D-Ward 2) voting no, and Moore, Emily Beck (D-Ward 4) and Julie Miller (D-at large) voting in favor of the motion.
Service Director Todd Shreve also announced that this year’s street resurfacing program is set to begin in mid-to-late summer. Council approved a contract with Barbicas Construction Co. for the work at the Council meeting.
“This contractor was the lowest bidder related to their method of resurfacing,” Shreve said. “This year’s program focuses on the resurfacing of residential streets.”
He added a number of variables were considered when selecting the streets in this year’s program.
“Recommendations from Council representatives, residents, staff, and the city’s engineering consultant, GPD Group, were all considered,” Shreve said. “The city remains committed to stretching resurfacing dollars as far as possible so improvements can be made throughout all neighborhoods.”
Shreve also thanked residents for their continued support, especially through the passage of Issue 8 in 2013. “The city has been able to resurface nearly half of Barberton’s roads over the past 13 years,” he said.
The 2026 road resurfacing program will include portions of Franklin, Hazelwood, East Lake, Frank, Elson, Walter, Harrington, King, East Paige, Fairview, Bellview, Stratford and Norton avenues; First Street Southeast; Eighth Street Southeast; Fifth Street Northwest; Romig and Barber roads; and Wooster Road West. Council also approved:
• a one-year renewal of the city’s property, vehicle, equipment and liability insurance with Wichert Insurance;
• a $2.9 million real estate purchase agreement for parcels of property at 501 W. Hopocan Ave. from Summit County, with an additional purchase of $200,000 in furniture, fixtures and equipment at the location, for a total purchase price of $3.1 million;
• a $152,413 contract with Hastings Energy Control for the installation of a diesel exhaust removal system at two fire stations, along with legislation appropriating the expenditure;
• a contract with MS Consultants to carry out the citywide master plan;
• the Fiscal Year 2026 Community Development Block Grant Annual Action Plan; and
• the addition of six new fee schedules in the city zoning code.
Barberton City Council next meets July 6 at 6 p.m. for its regular legislative meeting in Council Chambers at the Barberton Municipal Building, 576 W. Park Ave. The meetings are viewable online at cityofbarberton.com under “Government” and “City Council.”The post Barberton Ward 6 councilman resigns first appeared on Akron.com.

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Barberton Mayor William Judge resigns

Akron.com News — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 16:33:40 +0000

Shorter Griffin sworn in as city’s first Black mayor
BARBERTON — Three-term Barberton Mayor William Judge has resigned from his position June 15 amid City Council proceedings to remove him.
At the April 13 City Council meeting, Council members voted 6-2 to invoke Section 3.03 of the Barberton City Charter, which outlines the process for Council to remove the mayor from office. At a special meeting May 4, Council continued the process of removing Judge from office by formally approving legislation to initiate removal proceedings and appointing Marlon Primes as prosecutor for the removal proceedings.
In a prepared statement announcing his resignation, Judge said his ability to serve as mayor had been compromised by Council’s actions.
“By choosing to move forward with the process to remove me from office, the City Council has made clear its vision for the future direction of our city,” Judge wrote. “I respect both the Council’s legislative authority and the provisions of the city charter. But, I recognize that although I have the right to request a hearing and contest my removal, that hearing would ultimately be conducted by the same Council that initiated these proceedings.
“Even if I were successful in challenging the removal, my ability to continue serving effectively as Mayor would be compromised by an ongoing conflict with the City Council rather than a shared commitment to governing the city. Effective leadership depends on collaboration, mutual trust, and a unified purpose. When those conditions no longer exist, difficult decisions must be made.”
Judge, who had served as mayor since 2011, thanked the community and said he will now focus on his family.
“After considerable reflection, I have chosen to step aside and devote my full attention to the people who have sacrificed the most throughout my years of public service — my family,” the statement continued. “I am deeply grateful to the residents who supported me, challenged me and entrusted me with the privilege of serving them. I thank the city employees, community leaders and countless volunteers whose dedication often goes unseen but whose efforts make our city stronger every day.”
Following the resignation, per the Barberton City Charter, Council President Shorter Griffin was sworn in as mayor June 16, making him the city’s first Black mayor.
“I’m committed to providing steady leadership and continuing the work our community depends on,” Griffin said in a statement following his swearing-in by Barberton Municipal Court Judge Todd McKenney.
Council Vice President Rebecca Gearhart will assume the position of Council president, and the city will begin the process of filling her Ward 5 seat.
Council members and the administration have declined to comment further on any specific charges against Judge, and Gearhart did not respond to calls for comment on Judge’s resignation by deadline.The post Barberton Mayor William Judge resigns first appeared on Akron.com.

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