Canton · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Canton public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Millerton Street SE water main extension
Council will consider extending a city water main to Millerton Street SE — infrastructure that supports new growth on the southeast side.
Community Reinvestment Area Tax Exemptions
Three separate agreements would hand developers property tax exemptions in exchange for investment, and a fourth would expand the CRA zone citywide and allow megaprojects. These deals shape which developments get built and how much property tax the city collects.
Food Protection License Fee Adjustments
The board scheduled a public hearing and third reading on a resolution to amend food protection license fees as required by Ohio law.
Public Health Nuisance Hearings
The board was scheduled to approve nuisance hearing recommendations and certify $7,049.52 in cleanup costs to the Stark County Auditor for April through June 2026.
Integrated Harm Reduction Grant and Community Contracts
Council is authorizing a list of contracts (Exhibit A) funded by opioid settlement money — money meant to address the fallout of the opioid crisis. Second reading complete.
Residential Zoning Code Amendments
Ordinance 22 would shrink required lot area and frontage in R-1A and single-family districts, making more substandard lots buildable. Public hearing October 26 at 7 p.m.
Urban Tree Canopy and Climate Resilience
The city is incorporating a new Climate Action and Sustainability Plan into its comprehensive plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy efficiency, and position Canton for grant funding.
Fair housing assistance grant
Council renewed and expanded several key neighborhood grant programs, including $200,000 for housing development and beautification, storefront improvements, and public realm reinvestments, aiming to boost local property values and resident living conditions.
Plain Local Schools bond issue
Plain Local Schools wants a 3.5-mill, 37-year bond issue to replace seven aging elementary buildings with three new ones, saving a projected $45 million over ten years and unlocking an $84 million state match. The average homeowner would pay about $17 a month ($203.35/year), and the high school bond drops off in 2030-31.
Traffic Safety Grant Acceptance and Police Funding
Public comment questioned the allocation of $44,144 in grant funds for violence interdiction patrols, arguing that police spending dominates the budget at the expense of social services and housing stability. Proponents emphasized that recent gun violence in city parks necessitates robust public safety investments.