Stow · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Stow public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
2027 Capital Improvement Plan adoption
The city's spending roadmap for 2027 roads, parks, fire equipment and water infrastructure was adopted after a version swap that trimmed $518,000. Residents on Graham Road learned resurfacing comes next spring and a federally funded sidewalk project is targeted for 2030.
AMP Entertainment District drink-and-walk zone (Ordinance 2026-156)
A designated outdoor refreshment area would let people carry open drinks within the AMP entertainment district between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. daily. A public hearing is set for October 22, with a vote expected December 10.
Rezoning of 4239 Kent Road for commercial use
A new 30-year tax-increment financing district will support the Kent Road development with a Chick-fil-A, a Sheetz, and two retail buildings. About $5.4 million in increased property investment will be captured over 30 years, with school and library compensation payments built in.
Sale of city land to EnviroScience Inc.
The city is moving forward with selling part of a parcel to EnviroScience Inc. — the ordinance goes to council tonight after coming out of executive session.
Development Pressure and New Zoning Standards
Huntington Bank opened a new branch, Panda Express and a Sheetz are breaking ground, and rezoning interest stretches down to Marsh Road — the area is hot for years to come.
Public Hearing
Stow City Council is hosting a public hearing on October 22 to talk about a brand-new ordinance. If you want to have a say in local policy changes, now is your chance to speak up.
Lawsuit
Omni Fiber is taking Stow to federal court to force the city to let them build a fiber internet network. If they win, you could finally get faster, more competitive internet options at home.
Surveillance Technology
Stow police are crediting their new Flock license-plate reading cameras with helping them crack 80 different cases. It's a clear sign that automated tech is becoming a massive part of local policing.
Flock surveillance cameras removal request
A resident urged council to cancel the city's Flock camera contract, citing court filings and expert testimony that the cameras enable warrantless tracking. Council took no action but his full statement was entered into the record.
Plow truck GPS and cameras
The city is adding GPS tracking and forward-facing cameras to 20 plow trucks so it can prove streets were plowed and back up drivers after accidents. It costs about $46,000 over three years and could expand to more vehicles.
Data-center zoning code amendments adopted
Ordinance 2026-118 updates Stow's zoning code covering use standards, vehicle parking, and definitions — the package tied to the data-center public hearing earlier that evening. Council called it a proactive step and a model for other cities.
All-America City Award
Stow is chasing the National Civic League's All-America City Award, leaning on its zoning rewrite, public arts plan, school safety work and charter review. Council members also want more direct resident engagement, from revived open houses to senior center sessions.
Smith/Landerberger litigation costs
The city faces an $8.1 million countersuit from a property owner after a condemnation order. The approved $50,000 covers the insurance deductible; a judge is weighing motions that could end the case.
Civic Award Celebration
Stow is throwing a party to celebrate winning the All-America City award, which is a pretty cool shout-out for our community's hard work and local pride. It's a great excuse for neighbors to get together and celebrate what makes living here awesome.
Land Acquisition
The city got 38-40 acres of conservation land free via grants from the Western Reserve Land Conservancy, next to 35 acres it already owns — over 70 contiguous acres south of Wyndham Ridge that may someday get trails and parking.
Judicial Removal
The Ohio Supreme Court just kicked Stow Municipal Court Judge Kim Hoover off the bench, totally shaking up our local legal scene. It's a massive leadership change for the city's court system.
City Resolution
Adding 'Black Lives Matter' to a Stow city resolution has sparked intense debate, highlighting deep community divisions over the use of symbolic language in local government. Residents and officials are sharply split on whether such phrases belong in official city policies.
Public Building Closure
Stow is shutting its city buildings to the public again due to COVID-19 concerns. You'll have to handle all your city business online or over the phone for the time being.