AKRON, Ohio — Akron Mayor Shammas Malik has announced that the city plans to introduce legislation to fund the emergency demolition of the former Word Church property on Manchester Road.
The multi-building site, which once housed the Akron Baptist Temple, has become "a serious public safety concern," according to Malik in a release.
“We’ve seen frequent and increasing break-ins at the site and the condition of the buildings continues to deteriorate," said Malik in a statement. "Our Akron Fire officials have concern that if a fire were to break out in one of the buildings, it may not be safe for them to even enter. We cannot put off this demolition. For the safety of our residents, we need to get these buildings taken down.”
The city's legislation is asking Akron City Council for their approval to enter into a contract for demolition, with the goal of having the project begin by the end of March. In its release, the city adds that it intends to "aggressively pursue repayment" for the emergency demolition from the current owners of the building as well as seeking state demolition funding through the Ohio Department of Development.
“For years, residents and nearby businesses owners have shared their concerns regarding this site. It has become increasingly dangerous: not just for those who enter it but also for the community surrounding it,” added Ward 9 Councilmember Tina Boyes. “The site has been unsecured for some time, and we frequently see that the boards have been taken down and the buildings are completely open. The safety of the people in and around the area is my number one concern, and for that reason I am supporting this emergency demolition.”
Malik and other city officials will join Boyes at her monthly ward meeting on Tuesday, March 5 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Kenmore Community Center (880 Kenmore Blvd.) to discuss the demolition plans.
The city also says it will partner with the Summit County Continuum of Care to help with engagement with the unhoused population in the area.
"There will be in-person engagement with those residents to inform them of the upcoming demolition and make them aware of their options for shelter," the release added.
Akron police and fire will also do a full search of the property and secure the building and grounds in the week before the demolition begins.
“We know there are many blighted structures across our community, as evidenced by the recent fire off N. Howard Street,” Malik continued. “These conditions are unacceptable in any of our neighborhoods. The Word Church site moved to the top of the list due to its rapid deterioration and public safety concerns, but we are triaging our approach to all these buildings and will have more to share with the community in the months and years to come.”
Akron Baptist Temple sold its seven-building site to The Word Church in 2018 and has since rebranded itself as Connect Church. The Word Church put the property up for sale a year later.
