Akron City Council Approved South Akron Housing Plan

Officials authorized a new residential project on Sweitzer and Cole avenues in Ward 7.

Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in City Hall

A vacant urban lot with overgrown grass and a weathered concrete curb, with a distant residential brick building under an overcast sky. — The Akron City Council approved a housing redevelopment plan Tuesday to construct two apartment buildings on vacant land in South Akron. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Akron City Council voted to approve a housing redevelopment plan for vacant land located in South Akron. The project will see the construction of two apartment buildings on parcels owned by Manuel Smart.

Why it matters

This approval marks a step toward utilizing previously vacant city space to increase local housing inventory. The development is specifically situated to integrate into the existing Ward 7 infrastructure.

The development includes one four-unit building and one two-unit building across three parcels. The plan explicitly mandates the preservation of a large oak tree located on the Sweitzer Avenue side of the site.

The players

Akron City Council

This is the legislative body responsible for governing the city of Akron and approving local zoning and development projects.

Manuel Smart

He is the private developer and owner of the three parcels designated for the new apartment housing.

The details

The project will transform vacant land at the corner of Sweitzer Avenue and Cole Avenue into a residential space. Developer Manuel Smart is tasked with overseeing the build while maintaining the natural features of the lot.

September 23, 2026: The Akron City Council approved the housing development plans.

Political Context

Opponents of similar infill developments often cite concerns regarding increased traffic density and the potential loss of neighborhood character. Neighborhood advocacy groups frequently push for more rigorous public review of small-scale projects to ensure they match local architectural styles.

Local residents in Ward 7 should expect construction activity to begin on the corner of Sweitzer and Cole avenues. This development could eventually increase neighborhood residential density, potentially impacting local street parking availability.

The takeaway

Developing vacant urban parcels helps address citywide housing demand without requiring land expansion into undeveloped areas. Property owners looking to follow this model should ensure their site plans account for existing natural features like mature trees to secure council approval.