Akron Shops Push Safety Crackdown After Fatal Shooting in Highland Square

Business owners rally for Special Improvement District to fund patrols, lighting, and family-friendly events

Apr. 9, 2026 at 3:35pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a small, metallic object against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the investigation into a recent act of violence in the Highland Square neighborhood.A community grapples with the aftermath of violence, seeking solutions to restore safety and vibrancy to the Highland Square neighborhood.Akron Today

After a fatal shooting in October 2025, business owners in Akron's Highland Square neighborhood are pushing for a Special Improvement District (SID) that would fund increased security measures, public programming, and other efforts to create a safer and more welcoming environment. The proposal has taken on new urgency as warmer weather approaches and follows short-term fixes like extra police patrols and parking restrictions implemented by city officials.

Why it matters

The Highland Square area has seen recurring issues with late-night gatherings and violence that have scared off customers and rattled local businesses. The proposed SID is an attempt by shop owners to take more control over public safety and quality of life in the neighborhood, but it will require buy-in from a majority of property owners to move forward.

The details

Ward 1 Councilperson Fran Wilson is leading the plan for the Highland Square SID, which would ask roughly 15 property owners along West Market Street to contribute funds over a three-year period. The money would go toward daytime beautification, family-friendly events, and trained nighttime safety patrols. City officials have already implemented some short-term fixes, including towing illegally parked cars, gating a city-owned lot, adding cameras, and assigning extra police on weekends. But business owners say the fear has not disappeared, and they see the SID as a way to give them more concrete tools to manage and prevent the recurring problems.

  • On October 5, 2025, Timothy Hutchinson was fatally shot in Highland Square.
  • On February 9, 2026, Akron City Council passed a resolution creating the Highland Square Special Improvement District.

The players

Fran Wilson

Ward 1 Councilperson leading the plan for the Highland Square Special Improvement District.

Abraham Nabors

Owner of Mustard Seed Market, reflecting on the aftermath of the October 2025 killing and the fear that has not disappeared in the neighborhood.

Akron Police Department

Investigating the October 2025 homicide of Timothy Hutchinson and vowing to pursue those responsible.

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What they’re saying

“I understand why people have become more fearful of the neighborhood.”

— Abraham Nabors, Owner, Mustard Seed Market

What’s next

Organizers say they will continue meeting with business owners, residents, and city officials to secure the required buy-in and approvals for the Highland Square Special Improvement District. They emphasize that the goal is for the neighborhood to feel safe and welcoming day and night.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges faced by local businesses and communities in addressing persistent public safety issues, and the potential for collaborative efforts like a Special Improvement District to empower shop owners and residents to take a more active role in shaping the future of their neighborhood.