Akron Takes Bold Steps to Tackle Asbestos Issues and Revitalize Communities

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News Summary

Summit County Council is set to initiate asbestos abatement at the former Environmental Services headquarters, aiming to improve public health and urban safety.

Akron Takes Bold Steps to Tackle Asbestos Issues and Revitalize Communities

In a decisive move to address hazardous materials and promote community safety, the Summit County Council has authorized the advertisement of bids for the asbestos abatement at the former Department of Environmental Services headquarters located at 2525 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls. This initiative is set against a backdrop of growing concerns about public health and safety regarding asbestos exposure, a material long-known for its cancer-causing properties, including mesothelioma.

The anticipated cost for the asbestos abatement project is estimated at $650,000. This substantial investment is being funded through a grant from the Ohio Department of Development’s Building Demolition and Site Revitalization Program, which will also see a 25% match contribution from the county. The site in question spans approximately 1.4 acres, and includes a building and garage that have seen better days. With this abatement, the council is laying the groundwork for the eventual demolition of these unused structures.

Financial Position of Summit County

During a recent meeting, the Council also approved the appropriation of carryover balances amounting to $81.6 million for various operating and capital funds for the year 2025. This includes ongoing appropriations of $3.7 million and touches on various initiatives that demonstrate the council’s commitment to responsible fiscal management amidst significant safety concerns.

A plethora of first readings and discussions were also introduced during the session, showcasing the breadth of issues being tackled by the council. Notably, they are looking at amending regulations regarding tuition reimbursement and approving contracts for vital infrastructure projects.

Abandoned Buildings in Focus

In tandem with the asbestos abatement, the City of Akron has made headlines with plans to demolish the abandoned Akron Baptist Temple campus, known as The Word Church. Set to begin on March 20, 2025, this demolition is part of a larger strategy aimed at neighborhoods struggling with vacant structures. The city is reinforcing safety by ensuring that appropriate measures regarding hazardous materials—such as asbestos—are in place before any demolition takes place.

This clear call to action coincides with Akron’s further plans to demolish the former B.F. Goodrich power plant and its associated smokestacks. Dramatically, this demolition project is pegged at a cost of $6.6 million, with over $5 million of that projected to be financed by state grants. The historical significance of this plant as it relates to Akron’s rubber industry heritage cannot be overstated, emphasizing the delicate balance between preserving history and ensuring community safety.

Broader Community Initiatives

Furthermore, the city’s bold amended capital budget for 2025 stands tall at $380 million, up $12 million from original estimates. This budget displays a healthy inclination towards essential infrastructure investments encompassing water and sewer systems, utility services, parks, and community development projects. When viewed in conjunction with the asbestos abatement efforts, these allocations reveal an overarching theme: a commitment to not only the health of municipal structures but also the health—both physical and environmental—of the community.

As Akron embarks on these indispensable undertakings surrounding asbestos removal and demolition, residents are likely to welcome these developments as a step toward a safer living environment and a revitalized community. The next council meeting, set for February 24, promises to delve into further measures aimed at protecting the public from hazardous materials while revitalizing urban spaces.