Partner Profile: Lori Pesci
Akron Civic Commons is highlighting the neighbors and partners that make our work in downtown Akron, Ohio & Erie Canal Park, and Summit Lake possible. This week, we’re highlighting Lori Pesci, a Youngstown transplant and Deputy Director of Public Safety with the Summit County Executive’s Office. (And you’ll meet Gus.)
Tell us about how you came to live in downtown. How long have you lived here?
I’ve worked for Summit County for over 15 years and for 12 of those I was commuting the hour back and forth from Youngstown. While I didn’t really mind the drive, I considered moving to Akron a few years ago and was casually looking at apartments locally when I found Canal Square, the old YMCA Building. I immediately fell in love with the location and the apartment. Gus moved in the following year.
What do you enjoy about living downtown?
Access. The best thing about living downtown is that I’m within walking distance (or a quick SPIN ride) to work, incredible restaurants, the Akron Civic, the library, the towpath, and all of the other wonderful features that make downtown so great. Even though I’ve been here a few years already, I’m always discovering new things happening downtown and have found some great opportunities to get involved in the community. I’m also very lucky to have an amazing view of Lock 3 and Canal Park which means I have concerts, baseball games and fireworks right outside of my window.
Do you think there are any misconceptions about living downtown and how would you assuage those concerns for somebody?
People always wonder about safety. Downtown is relatively well lit, including the Locks. Downtown Akron Partnership also maintains a presence here providing helpful services like escorting people to their car and lockout assistance. Because I live on a property that is shared with Children’s Hospital offices, they have regular police patrols along Bowery Street. Unfortunately, Gus doesn’t yet appreciate the concept of time, so we have taken walks around the block at all hours without any concerns.
What do you hope to see in downtown Akron's future?
With construction wrapping up, I’m hoping that more people will come to downtown, either to live or just enjoy what’s available here. I’m excited to see the Bowery project open and the additional entertainment space for the Civic. While I don’t think COVID is going anywhere any time soon, eventually I’d like to encourage some of the national public safety organizations I’m involved with to host one of their large scale conferences or trainings here in order to showcase what Downtown Akron has to offer.