Residents uneasy about restaurant/microbrewery

DOWNTOWN AKRON — West Akron residents packed the Akron City Council meeting May 1 to voice concerns over a proposed restaurant/microbrewery at 1221-1225 W. Market St.
Council held a public hearing for the project, which will require a conditional use permit as the property is in a Single-Family Residential Use District.
According to city officials, the property contains a two- story residential dwelling also known as the Carkhuff Mansion, along with a two-story carriage house. Plans call for the mansion to be used for dining and event space on the first floor with lodging for guests on the second floor. The carriage house would be converted into a microbrewery with an indoor and outdoor restaurant under a covered patio.
Both structures were constructed in 1917 and were previously occupied with law offices, officials added.
Jaime Delapaz, who intends to setup the restaurant/microbrewery, called the property an “amazing place” and wants to preserve the structures.
According to the plans, proposed changes to the site are minimal as the property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Several area residents raised concerns about additional traffic, noise, alcohol consumption and the safety of children in the neighborhood.
Jeanette Foster, who has lived on Mayfield Avenue for approximately 30 years, said the project would impact the neighborhood, which has block parties and events throughout the year.
“I love my home and I love my community,” Foster said. “What I don’t love is hearing that we have to somehow make a concession on our quality of life for the sake of someone else’s bottom dollar.”
Elizabeth Kishton, also of Mayfield Avenue, said she opposes the project as there are approximately 25 children who live on the street along with several others.
“This definitely puts their welfare at risk,” Kishton said. “Our family, our community, our neighborhood’s welfare should not come second to lining a few people’s pockets.”
Several residents also raised
concerns about the notification process done by the city for projects like this.
Council member Nancy Holland (D-Ward 1) said the city needs to do better when it comes to notifying nearby residents of projects that can impact neighborhoods.
Summit County Clerk of Courts Clerk Sandra Kurt, of Mayfield Avenue, stated other microbreweries in Akron are located in industrial areas.
“None of these are located in residential neighborhoods and I think there is probably a reason for that,” Kurt said. “We really don’t want one in our neighborhood.”
Council member Shammas Malik (D-Ward 8) encouraged Council to take time on the proposal, and Council agreed to do so.
In other business, Council approved:
• applying for State of Ohio and Department of Education After School Program grants for the 2023-24 school year totaling $100,000 for Akron Public Schools; and
• a resolution declaring the month of May Mental Health Awareness Month in Akron to raise awareness about mental health and recognize and celebrate individuals and families, as well as agencies and community partners that provide mental health services.
Council also agreed to move to the consent agenda legislation on a contract for the purchase and installation of a 3,750 volt-amps transformer for the Water Reclamation Facility, which is estimated to cost $200,000.
Council will next meet May 8 for committee meetings at 1 p.m. and a regular meeting at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers on the third floor of the Akron Municipal Building, 166 S. High St. The public can view the meetings on Council’s YouTube page, with a link available at www.akroncitycouncil.org.