The North Canton City Council Committee of the Whole convened Monday evening to address several key municipal matters, including property annexation, continuation of the downtown outdoor refreshment area, and a street vacation request.
During the meeting chaired by Matthew Stroia, council members voted to forward an ordinance finalizing the annexation of a city-owned parcel located at Whipple Avenue NW and Wise Avenue NW to the planning commission. The parcel will be zoned as General Business B (GB-B) and designated as part of Ward 1. This zoning classification matches the parcel’s previous zoning in Jackson Township prior to annexation. Council member Jamie McCleaster noted the zoning designation “makes sense” given its history.
The committee also unanimously approved the continued operation of the city’s Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) for another five years. This popular program has sold more than 30,000 cups since its implementation. Council members noted the program has been particularly beneficial during events like the Main Street Festival and New Berlin Fest. Officials confirmed that both public safety and public works departments reported no increases in incidents or concerns related to the DORA since its inception.
In the final item of business, council supported a proposal to vacate a 134.75-foot portion of Ashland Street SW. The property will be divided among three adjacent property owners. The street section is not needed for municipal purposes, and there are no plans to construct a road on the parcel. Notification requirements for the vacation were waived due to unanimous consent from surrounding property owners.
The meeting, which began at 7:00 p.m., concluded with a motion to adjourn. The city’s next full council meeting is expected to include formal action on these items pending planning commission recommendations.
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