Displaying items by tag: Ward 8

There are a few changes coming to Akron's west side -- including a pair of new buildings. Akron City Council President Marilyn Keith said a new drive-thru Starbucks is set to open at the corner of West Market Street and Pershing Avenue.

"Right across from Ken Stewarts, where China Gourmet is, that property has been bought and it will be turned into a Starbucks," said Keith.

There's another Starbucks located about half a mile away near Sand Run Road, but the coffee chain has yet to announce if it will relocate to the new location.

A developer has also knocked down the old smoke shop at the corner of Frank Blvd. and West Market St., but details as to what will go into that area has not been released.

"The developers have chosen not to share with me what's going in there. They also haven't pulled any permits, so I am not sure exactly what's going in there."

When the drive-thru Taco Bell restaurant was built at the corner of Frank Boulevard and West Market Street in Akron last year, there was controversy as to whether it would increase traffic issues in the area. Since it's opening, the city only received two complaints.

"I think it has established that we are rebranding ourselves in the neighborhood," said Keith.