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Tent city in Akron faces lawsuit, uncertain future

A lawsuit has been filed against the owner of a property that houses 35 tents for the homeless on Akron’s east side.

The Homeless Charity, a non-profit aimed at finding ways to end homelessness in the city, has provided free tents for those in need behind its facility at 15 Broad Street in Akron's Middlebury neighborhood. The non-profit, created by Akron businessman Sage Lewis, also houses a thrift store, kitchen, showers, and a computer lab for the homeless community.

Lewis said he was surprised to find out how a few tents, which now make up Second Chance Village, could provide a "blessing" for dozens without a place to live.

"You're in my basement and in a tent in my yard and you feel blessed?" said Lewis.

Lewis said Second Chance Village was launched to provide a place of shelter for those who found themselves displaced from other locations where tents were unwelcome.

But the tent city has attracted some concerns. City officials said there have been complaints from neighbors and others in reference to littering, smoke from campfires and drug use.

Lewis said he has made changes to address concerns, which includes banning alcohol and drug use on the property.

"We are selective in the people we bring here," Lewis said. "One rule is you have to contribute one hour a day [to volunteering] but the other is you have to show written proof that you're moving forward, that you're getting help with your mental health and addiction issues."

According to court records, Samuel Adkins, who lived in the home near the tent village but has since relocated, filed a lawsuit on Nov. 14 to close the facility and request $100,000 in compensatory and punitive damages. The lawsuit alleges the facility is a "nuisance."

The current "campground" site is "not lawful," according to Ellen Lander Nischt, press secretary for the city of Akron. The property is currently zoned residential and not zoned for use as a "campground which is the closest description of how the property is currently being used."

Lewis said he want to work together with the city to find a solution.

"I want to solve this," Lewis said. "I want to fix this. People shouldn't be afraid of me. I’m really not that crazy. I’m just a guy that wants to make a difference."

Lewis has withdrew his application with the city for a conditional use zoning permit to build "tiny homes" on the site, which Nischt said now "puts the city in a position to enforce the zoning code if Mr. Lewis does not seek to bring his property into compliance or file for conditional use to use his property as something other than what the current zoning allows.

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