An official vote to remove the Summit Street dam took place Wednesday night at the Warren City Council meeting.

The dam has been the site of several drownings and close calls in recent years.

The city says it will work with the Ohio EPA and Eastgate Regional Council of Governments to remove the dam.

It won't cost the city any money to remove and leaders say its an important step toward a brighter future.

"Hopefully by 2022 the dam will be removed and that I think will spur new businesses and new restaurants. I think it's the best thing we've done in a long time," said Warren City Council President Jim Graham.

The city is working on plans to build a launch for kayaks and canoes in the area behind Packard Park with grant dollars.