Canton council approves annexation of 2138 38th Street NW after resident raises safety, jurisdiction questions

The Canton City Council adopted an ordinance to annex approximately 2.865 acres at 2138 38th Street Northwest into the city and zone the parcel R-4 (multifamily residential) following a public hearing.

Jessica Stevens, a nearby resident who identified herself during public comment, said her household has raised concerns about activities at the property since 2020 and told council that "last night, somebody was doing a fire over there in the back parking lot." She asked which agency to contact; Canton officials and a public-safety representative clarified that the property is currently in Plain Township and that, until annexation is effective, calls for emergency response should go to 911 and would be answered by the Stark County sheriff's office. The officials added that once the annexation is approved and the address falls under city jurisdiction, Canton Police and Canton Fire would respond.

Council members said there were no new development plans on file for the property and that the R-4 zoning would allow multifamily residential uses; representatives also said there was no current plan for government-subsidized housing at the site. After the public hearing, the council voted by roll call to adopt the annexation ordinance (11 yeas).