Multifamily density cap

Read an email opposing removal of the density cap, citing the December 4 council vote, a 29% rental rate with 9.8% vacancy, comparisons to Kent and Cuyahoga Falls, and crime/property-value concerns.

Agreed with the prior speaker, citing infrastructure strains and school impacts, and said Stow should favor single-family dwellings.

Local home builder and developer said his modern multifamily projects have benefited the city, disputed the vacancy figures, and argued the town needs modern rules that allow growth.

Landlord from a Cuyahoga Falls landlord family; said apartments are vital for young people starting out and objected to treating renters as unwelcome.

Steering committee member argued the December vote reflected misunderstandings, cited the comprehensive plan and 2022 diagnostic report, and said housing scarcity inflates property values and taxes.

Council member said door-knocking during her campaign showed residents want the plan, and that the December amendments appeared rushed and confused, negating two years of work.