Beacon Journal staff report
Akron City Council approved new zoning this week for the former Goodyear property on the north side of Interstate 76 that is aimed at helping make the property more marketable.
Carol Smith, who is with IRG, the private developer that owns the Goodyear property, told council the zoning change was needed to help attract new development to this area and make it a great place to “live, work and play.”
Mike Antenucci, Akron’s zoning manager, said the rezoning “will enable the next phase of development” for the Goodyear property, after the recent opening the company’s new headquarters.
The property, roughly bordered by Laird Street to the north, I-76 to the south, the Wheeling & Lake Erie Railroad tracks to the east, and South Case Street to the west, was primarily zoned industrial and commercial. The new zoning will allow apartments, retail, office and commercial uses. The property includes the former Goodyear headquarters, Goodyear Hall and Goodyear bank.
Council President Garry Moneypenny, who represents Ward 10 that includes Goodyear, said the development of the former Goodyear property will be “very good for the east side of Akron.”