Stow · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Stow public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Pedestrian Crossing on Young Road at Sierra Vista
A resident asked why the new Young Road sidewalk has no crossing at Sierra Vista. The city says it doesn't recommend mid-block crossings there and is instead adding striping and signage at Duquesne Drive.
Fishcreek Road crosswalk near new fire station
Baranek asked about the crosswalk by the new fire station that was being checked for correct angle; McCleary said it was ripped out and is being replaced.
Rising traffic crashes and speeding
Crashes hit a five-year high of 1,013 in 2025, up 17%, and keep climbing in 2026. Young asked what's being done about speeding and red-light running; the captain says proactive traffic enforcement has increased and the department responds to complaints.
Graham Road sidewalks and connectivity
New sidewalks at Adell Durbin Park and Route 91 are done, but the Bike and Hike crossing near the future amphitheater is unmarked and grant funding for Norton Road improvements keeps getting rejected. Council may tap city money and ask residents whether they want sidewalks.
Fishcreek Road/Stow Road roundabout
The city locked in $3.6 million in federal CMAQ money for the roundabout at Fishcreek and Stow Roads. That's one of the area's busiest and trickiest intersections.
Sidewalk damage from street trees
Members discussed how tree roots heave sidewalks and whether concrete leveling instead of full replacement could save money, though roots often re-heave new slabs. The fall walk-and-talk with council is meant to surface these concerns directly.
2026-2027 Road Program
The city's yearly paving and concrete repair program moved forward with bids opened and a low bidder selected. Crack sealing came in over budget and will be rebid. Residents can report curb and sidewalk problems to get locations into the repair rotation.
State Route 91/Darrow Road reconstruction
The city is borrowing $4 million to rebuild and resurface Route 91 along its entire length — expect construction, new sidewalks, storm sewers and signals along Darrow Road in the coming years.
Route 59/Kent Road traffic signals
A $650,000 borrowing will fund new and upgraded traffic signals on Kent Road between Sycamore Drive and Fishcreek Road, with ADA-compliant pedestrian access.
Connectivity, sidewalks and safety priorities for 2026-2027
Stow is working through a list of 31 sidewalk and trail connections to link neighborhoods, parks, and schools. The Stow-Fishcreek roundabout won't be built until 2030, and staff are chasing federal grants to speed up other priority segments.
Refinancing Route 59 and Route 91 project debt
The city is renewing a one-year note covering the Route 59 and Route 91 road projects and paying off the final $400,000 on the Fox Den driving range — about $4.65 million refinanced total. Council gets the final say tonight.
LED lighting upgrade at Route 8/Steels Corners interchange
Swapping six halogen bulbs for LEDs across four light units should slash maintenance, since each pole takes half a day to lower and raise for a bulb change. The state's reconstruction project didn't cover it.
Routes 91 and 59 Construction
Construction is ramped up on the city's two major road projects, mostly south of Graham Road where the corridor is tight. Officials are asking drivers to slow down and be patient through the work zones.
Fishcreek Road Phase 2 Resurfacing
Council accepted $1.1 million in federal funds to repave Fishcreek Road from south of Graham Road to Kent Road.
Winter road salt supply
Ice storms are straining Stow's salt supply: the last major storm used over 3,000 tons, and mine delivery delays of 3-4 hours per truck are slowing restocking. The city has about 2,700 tons on hand — enough for the next few storms.
Traffic congestion on Graham Road
Both the developer's team and commissioners acknowledged Graham Road is already congested, especially at rush hour, and the city has no near-term plans to widen or improve it.
Route 8 guardrail replacement
Lake Erie Construction will replace guardrail and posts along Route 8, with most costs covered by insurance. Feldman pushed to see Stow's own guardrail repairs scheduled soon.