Akron Renames Community Center To Honor Robert J. Otterman

Akron is renaming its community center in the Ellet neighborhood to honor a former city and state lawmaker.City council agreed on Monday to rename the facility the Robert J. Otterman Ellet Community Center.Otterman, a Democrat known as “Mr. Nice Guy,” died in May at the age of 83.“It’s an outstanding tribute to his service and his family,” said John Valle, the city director of neighborhood assistance who served on the city council with Otterman.Councilman Bob Hoch, who proposed the renaming, noted that Otterman was “respected and dedicated,” and was influential in getting the community center built.Otterman was first elected to city council in 1969 when he was teaching government at Ellet High School.