What we know about Highland Square parking, effort to reduce disturbances
Akron's Highland Square has experienced fewer nuisance complaints since a decision last year to ban overnight-hours parking in a city-owned lot in the heart of the neighborhood's commercial hub, its City Council representative says.
But the busy West Market Street corridor was visited by another disturbance Wednesday when windows were broken at several businesses on the same evening that protesters were demonstrating in the area.
Highland Square has become an occasional rallying point for protests — especially among demonstrators calling for justice in the wake of the fatal shooting of Jayland Walker last year by Akron police.
With summer approaching — typically a robust season for the district with its eclectic mix of eateries, bars and shops as well as a movie theater and library branch — here's a look at where Highland Square stands in the city's safety landscape.
What you should know: Complete coverage of the Jayland Walker police shooting in Akron, Ohio
Is the late-night parking restriction still in place?
Signs posted at entrances to the city-owned lot behind the Highland Square Branch of the Akron-Summit County Public Library warn motorists that parking there is banned between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. During operating hours, the free lot can be accessed from West Market Street and Conger Avenue as well as from a drive that connects to Casterton Avenue.
Concrete barriers sit adjacent to the entrances and are moved into place during restricted hours. The signs and barriers were introduced at the start of last fall after neighbors complained about large late-night parties in the lot and drag racing in the nearby streets throughout the summer.
This will be the first summer with the ban in effect. Motorists who park during restricted hours face prosecution and towing even if the barriers are not set up.
Have the parking changes made a difference in Highland Square?
A city spokesperson did not respond to a request to discuss enforcement of the ban or whether it was meant to be a long-term prevention step for the late-night gatherings.
But Councilwoman Nancy Holland, the city's Ward 1 representative, said that while she did not have specific numbers, nuisance complaints to her and the Akron police have declined as a result of the overnight parking bans.
"Anecdotally, reports to me and reports registered with APD nonemergency reflect this," she said.
How is Highland Square adapting amid increased anxiety?
Holland said tensions are high in Akron right now after a grand jury decided Monday not to indict the eight Akron officers who shot and killed Walker on June 27.
"This is a tender time in our city," Holland said. "The businesses and residents of Highland Square have historically supported and understood the importance of free expression and assembly. There is respect and appreciation for the grief in our community, and sincere hope for a way forward together as a community."
Damage was reported Wednesday night at Wally Waffle, IRIE Jamaica Kitchen and Chipotle Mexican Grill, Holland said. City officials have not said whether they believe the damage was linked to that evening's protests.
Akron police Lt. Michael Miller said the department remains focused on safety throughout the city amid the heightened anxiety.
"We continue to monitor and respond to traffic issues and protest-related matters," he said.
Reporter April Helms can be reached at ahelms@thebeaconjournal.com
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Highland Square parking restrictions remain in place as summer nears
