Bars that closed earlier last weekend in Akron’s Highland Square neighborhood will be returning to their normal operations this weekend, city spokewoman Stephanie Marsh said in a June 18 news release.
“Last weekend, we were grateful that the collaborative efforts in Highland Square with the bars/businesses, Special Improvement District partners, (Ward 1 Akron City) Councilperson (Fran) Wilson, law enforcement, and neighbors resulted in a peaceful weekend in the Square,” Marsh said via email June 18. She said the city-owned lot behind Chipotle will be chained closed at midnight Friday and Saturday. People parked in the lot can still exit, she said, but vehicles remaining after 2:30 a.m. will be towed. The lot will be monitored, and people gathering in the lot can be arrested for trespass, she said. An increased law enforcement presence will persist on both nights, said Marsh.
The Walgreens parking lot will also close at midnight. Any vehicles still parked there after midnight risk being towed.
“These will be the steps for this weekend (June 19 and 20) and we will continue to evaluate and adjust for future weekends,” Marsh said.
Highland Tavern owner Jess Williams decided not to open her business June 12 and 13 and said at the time that she may opt to continue to close Fridays and Saturdays for several weeks to come.
These measures follow a June 7 shooting that occurred despite a heavy law enforcement presence. Two people were injured in the shooting. Highland Square residents expressed unease at the encroaching violence.
Akron Police Chief Brian Harding said officers recovered 18 casings from three firearms.
The shooters acted without regard to bystanders, police or their own well-being, he said at a June 11 press conference.
Councilperson Wilson implored the community to step up and act when they can.
“Everyday people are the fabric of our neighborhoods,” Wilson said. “There is so much we can do, but the core of it is to show up. Be present in our neighborhood. When you see an issue, say something. When you see someone who needs help, help them. When you see someone who is hurting another person, step in or say something. When you see a friend or a neighbor who is doing something that is not okay or not safe, check them.
Contact reporter Derek Kreider at DKreider@Gannett.com or 330-541-9413.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Highland Square bars to resume normal hours after peaceful weekend
Reporting by Derek Kreider, Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
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By Derek Kreider, Akron Beacon Journal | USA TODAY Network
