The Village of Lakemore is looking to try and combat the issue of blighted properties within its borders.

Mayor Rick Justice tells AkronNewsNow.com how the village plans on addressing the matter.

"We just started the process of instituting a rental registration code that will give us some enforcement ability and some inspection ability for some properties that are left under our standards," he said.

The mayor said the village is using money from the Moving Ohio Forward grant program through to demolish vacant or blighted properties.
 

"It's bad for the village, it's bad for the tenant, and I think that with a little more control on our end, we can have a safer environment for our residents," said mayor Justice.

He (Justice) says that Lakemore must take steps to prevent landlords from renting out property that hasn't had the proper type of repairs.

The village council introduced legislation Monday night to implement a rental property maintenance code to control the problem of deteriorating housing in Lakemore.

If approved, the legislation will require landlords to register their properties and make sure they are in compliance. The proposed measure would also give the village the authority to inspect rental units.

Akron City Council is looking to get legislation on the books regarding the manufacturing and dangers of methamphetamine labs.

At-large Councilman Jeff Fusco says it is vitally important to educate the public on this ever-growing problem.

"We feel it is important for people to identify these meth labs," Fusco explained.

"A number of council representatives are working on this legislation and it's a work in progress."

Some of the pieces and parts to this proposal will include recouping money expended by the Akron Police Department on the cleanup of these labs as well as education on its dangers.

Akron City Council Members Garry Moneypenny and Marilyn Keith by Akron NewsNow

In the area,demand for methamphetamine has gone up despite government and law enforcement efforts to curtail the drug.

Ward 10 Councilman Garry Moneypenny says that part of the proposed legislation to alleviate some of the cost it takes to get these  meth labs cleaned up is a necessity.

"Right now that cost is being absorbed by the residents of Akron, and with this we're trying to put some of that responsibility on the property owners."

Moneypenny, who has a background in law enforcement, says there are more "shake and bake" meth labs out there and that the drug can be made in many different ways.

There are many dangers that go along with meth making and usage, including people dumping the materials along the side of the road, causing fire hazards and causing issues for children who find these materials.

Ward 8 Councilwoman Marilyn Keith said this problem hasn't been relegated to just one area, it's a widespread issue.

"This isn't isolated to just one ward, this is all of our problem."

Moneypenny said as a councilman, he has gotten a big response at his ward meetings in terms of meth labs and their negative effect on their community.

A proposed legislation is expected to be introduced in the next couple of weeks.