Committee accepts HUD awards for East Copley safety study and downtown Main Street improvements

The planning and economic development committee moved to accept and expend two congressional community project awards secured with support from Congresswoman Amelia Sykes.

Staff described a $250,000 appropriation for a Copley Road safety study focused on the High Injury Network and vulnerable roadway users; the study will use AMATS data and include public engagement. "As you can see, we got $250,000 for a safety study for Copley Road," staff said as they summarized awards and the rationale.

A separate HUD award of $1.2 million will go toward Main Street phase 3 in downtown Akran, part of a roughly $10 million reconstruction covering utilities, roadway and streetscape improvements including bike lanes and replacement of a 140‑year‑old water main. Staff said the HUD funds represent about 10% of the project budget and that bidding is expected late summer with construction next spring and summer.

Councilmembers thanked the congresswoman and staff and asked about cash‑match requirements; staff confirmed there is no local cash match required for either award. Both items were approved by the committee under consent.

Next steps: staff will execute required grant acceptance and proceed with procurement and design steps for Main Street phase 3, and schedule the Copley safety study work and community engagement.