Akron City Council approves 60-unit apartment building for veterans, homeless, disabled in North Hill

Akron council members not only approved a controversial new apartment building for veterans, the homeless and the disabled in North Hill on Monday they voted to make it larger than originally proposed.

Joel Testa, the developer, initially asked for 40 units, but bumped his request up to 60, based on the need in the community. He said Continuum of Care, which surveys the homeless in the area, estimates 388 additional beds are needed to service the homeless. He argued against putting off the project, as one councilman suggested, because of the need.

People are going to die, he told councils Planning Committee Monday afternoon, referring to the homeless who could perish in the cold because of a lack of housing.

Council members were persuaded by Testas argument, voting 11-1 to move forward with the plans for the second phase of the Commons at Madaline Park, which will be built on Brownstone Avenue, south of Longshore Avenue.

Council member Russel Neal Jr., however, voted against the proposal, saying he thought the city should see how the first phase of the project goes over before signing off on an expansion. The first 60-unit Commons at Madaline Park is currently under construction and is expected to open in March.

I have no problem with the project, he said. I have a problem with us rushing without knowing how this will impact the neighborhood and those who live there. They want to do the second phase before they finish the first.

Council member Linda Omobien, who works for Community Support Services, which will be the co-owner of the apartment buildings, abstained from the votes.

Council member Jim Hurley, who represents Ward 2 that includes the development, backed the project after expressing concerns when it was initially proposed earlier this year.

A facility for the vets I have a hard time saying no to that, he said. In my heart, I think its a good idea.

Councilman Jeff Fusco, who chairs the Planning Committee, reminded council members that they needed to vote based on the best use for the land and not based on who will be living there.

Here is the original post:
Akron City Council approves 60-unit apartment building for veterans, homeless, disabled in North Hill