AKRON, Ohio – East End has become Akron’s third community entertainment district, and the city’s only such district outside of downtown Akron.

Akron City Council voted Monday to support a plan by Industrial Realty Group to bring retail, food service and entertainment businesses to the company’s mixed-use redevelopment around the former Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company headquarters on East Market Street by designating 80 acres as a “community entertainment district,” or CED.

“CED designation for East End would create a pool of 15 new D-5J liquor licenses for food-serving establishments within the area, which is the maximum number allowed,” said Michael Antenucci, zoning manager of Akron’s Planning Department.

Outside of CEDs, Ohio limits cities to one D-5 liquor permit per 2,000 residents, making them a scarce commodity in Akron.

“The CED designation would go a long way in helping to attract new establishments to this vibrant new district,” Antenucci said.

The 15 liquor permits will be applied for like any other liquor license and cannot be transferred outside of the district, Antenucci said.

“As we enter our tenth year of redevelopment of the former Goodyear headquarters and the East End development, we look forward to Council receiving this designation to continue our plan for revitalizing Akron,” Todd Shaffer of IRG Realty Advisors said at the March 25 council meeting.

“It’s going to be very positive for the East Side of town,” Councilman Jeff Fusco said at Monday’s meeting.

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