Stow · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Stow public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Entry-Level Police Officer Examination
The Commission was set to address the civil service examination process for entry-level police officers — the test that determines who lands on the eligibility list for hiring. How it's run shapes who gets a shot at joining the Stow Police Department.
2026 Road Maintenance and Improvement Plan
The city's road program is running behind because crews have replaced 71 catch basins this year — way more than the usual 12 per year — which slowed paving. Seasons Road got paved first and crews are now in Ward 3. A full update is coming November 5.
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.
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.
2027 City Budget Appropriations
The annual appropriation ordinance sets salaries, benefits, and operating costs for every city fund in 2027 — police ($9.4M) and fire ($6.8M) are the largest general fund lines. It stays at first reading while staff finalize a few numbers.
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.
Municipal electrification feasibility study
A council-suggested goal: exploring whether city staff vehicles should be electric or hybrid, starting with a pilot program rather than a full fleet replacement.
Hudson Drive Extension water line
A 40-year local contractor is trying to open a new business at 3691 Hudson Drive but needs water service. He says city staff and council members have been helping and hopes to open this year.
Duplex and townhome housing permits
This amendment would allow apartments and multifamily complexes on lots fronting seven major roads plus bus routes, with a 10-units-per-acre cap. It's the centerpiece of Stow's push to build a real downtown, but residents on Fishcreek and Norton Roads worry traffic and rentals will change quiet neighborhoods.
2027 city budget first reading (Ordinance 2026-163)
The 2027 city budget is moving through council with a second reading and no vote yet — final passage still ahead.
Four new firefighters to cover retirements
The fire department is losing people to retirement and council just approved hiring four replacements. That keeps staffing and response times where residents expect them.
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.
Water rate increase (Ordinance 2026-137)
Water rates haven't gone up since 2011, and the city faces aging lines, 98 main breaks last year, and budget deficits. The committee sent a four-year, 38-cent increase to council — expect bills to rise gradually rather than all at once.
Townhome Development at 2815 & 2845 Graham Road
A developer wants to build townhomes on two Graham Road parcels; the committee is only deciding whether townhomes are allowed as a use, with the detailed 34-unit site plan left for later review. Residents raised safety and access concerns at the Planning Commission, and staff added a condition voiding the permit if those concerns aren't fixed.
Greenhouse gas inventory data delays
Consultants have the GIS data for the tree-canopy assessment and will compare findings with Stow's 2013 study. Meanwhile, city departments are being asked to supply data for the first greenhouse gas inventory.
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.
Firearms rules in parks (Ordinance 2026-160)
Stow's park rules still banned taking guns into parks, but Ohio law (R.C. 9.68) preempts local gun rules — a legal risk that had been flagged since 2023. The fix keeps bans on unlawful discharge while respecting lawful carry.
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.
AEDs at Parks and Outdoor Recreation Areas
The city has AEDs in 10 buildings but none at outdoor athletic fields. Bids just came in ($800 to $5,000) and the city plans to buy four units for Silver Springs, Oregon Trail, and Adell Durbin locations — and it turns out state law requires them.
Ambulance Replacement Purchase (Ordinance 2026-162)
The Fire Department is getting a new ambulance at $298,449, bought without public bidding because it's a sole-source purchase. Delivery takes about 24 months.
Quality-of-life policing enforcement
Ten residents petitioned council to keep enforcing laws against vandalism, littering, loitering, vagrancy, and public intoxication. The police chief confirmed the department never stopped enforcing these laws and pointed out several are felonies. Council took no action but the petition's concern appears addressed.
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.
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.
Summit County Pump Station No. 19 replacement (Wyoga Lake)
A 61-year-old sewer pump station near Wyoga Lake failed in 2023 and has been limping along on salvaged parts while the county's replacement project has dragged since 2015. Residents fear a second failure could send sewage into homes, the lake, and downstream into the Cuyahoga River. The county now says construction could start in mid-2027.
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.
Assistant Fire Chief selection and fire department succession
Michael Lang Jr. was confirmed as fire chief and Mark Kozak as assistant chief, succeeding retiring Chief Stone. The mayor swears them in Sept. 17 at 3:30 p.m. at Station One.
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.
Water meter replacement and OPWC funding
Stow wants to replace its aging water meters citywide with a connected smart-meter system, funded by a $4.1 million, 0% OPWC loan. Old meters that don't send readings mean lost water revenue. Residents raised privacy and radiation concerns, but no opt-out is planned.
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.
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.
Food waste reduction and composting
After skipping the $75,000 Food Waste Fighters grant over budget-timeline concerns, the city is still moving on food waste with a free October 29 education event covering composting, food rescue, and waste reduction.
Native landscaping ordinance revisions
The city may cut the required setback for native plantings from 15 feet to 5 feet, relax the 50% lawn-conversion limit, and eventually waive the $50 permit fee. That means residents could convert more of their yards to native plants with fewer hoops — though enforcement stays complaint-driven.
Fire equipment funding increase
The fire department needs turnout gear for seven new firefighters joining by year's end. The committee sent a $35,000 budget increase to council the same night.
2027 Property Tax Levies
The city must certify its tax rates to Summit County every year to collect property taxes. This year's totals 9.50 mills — all within the charter's 10-mill limit, so no vote beyond the 10-mill ceiling.
Rooftop solar at city buildings
Ordinance 2026-127, which would put $100,000 in each of the 2026 and 2027 capital budgets toward rooftop solar, comes back for a second council reading this week. Unexpected building repairs could complicate its passage.
Removal of Minor Planned Development provision from zoning code
Council Member Kelly Coffey wants to strip the minor planned development tool from the code, arguing developers shouldn't be able to sidestep standard rules. Staff defended it as a way to cluster homes and preserve green space. No vote was taken.
Electric bicycle and sidewalk rules
Council updated rules for e-bikes and riding on sidewalks, with improved helmet language for young riders.
Master Plan for Public Art (Resolution 2026-114)
The first draft of the arts master plan has gone to the steering committee, which is waiting on feedback before finalizing.
Stormwater detention study
The city wants to know if two parcels it owns — on Hibbard Drive and Maplewood — can be turned into detention basins to reduce downstream flooding. E.L. Robinson Engineering would study it for up to $56,472 from the storm water fund.
Clerk of Council moves to full-time position
A new ordinance would make the Clerk of Council a full-time job — a change in city staffing and payroll.
Emergency generator and preparedness for vulnerable residents
The city wants a backup generator so the senior community center can shelter vulnerable residents during power outages. A diesel quick-disconnect unit could also replace rented event generators; costs range roughly $50,000-$400,000 and the purchase will go to Finance.
Community outreach and marketing strategy
Stow now has a Department of Community Outreach, written into the city code — but under the Mayor, not the Service Director, after Council Member John Baranek's amendment passed unanimously. Two members still voted no on final passage.
Mayoral compensation and charter change
A resident opposed any mayoral pay raise and suggested considering a city-manager form of government via charter change.
School resource officer contract renewal
The city is renewing its contract to keep two part-time SROs in Stow schools for another year, with the school district covering 60% of the cost.
Commercial vacancies on Kent Road and Darrow Road
A conditional zoning certificate for a restaurant on Darrow Road passed unanimously — council members sounded genuinely excited about the project.
Multi-family density cap on main roads
The city's six-units-per-acre cap forces variances for almost every apartment project, including this one at 7.4 units per acre. Staff plans to come back with an amendment to raise or remove the cap so the code matches what's actually built.
Elected officials' pay on November ballot
Raises for the mayor, law director, and finance director — untouched for roughly 15 years — will go to voters in November, with future raises tied to union contract averages.
Plans Examiner staffing shortage
Stow has gone two years without an in-house Plans Examiner, slowing building plan reviews and drawing complaints from businesses. The fix: regrade the job to pay grade 13, add a Plans Examiner 2 growth path, and hire Brian Ashurst as Plans Examiner I.
Creating a downtown Stow
The Planning Commission may cut the apartment density cap from about 9.7 to 6 residents per acre, which the parks board heard could 'almost eliminate' the planned walkable market district downtown. A vote is imminent, then it goes to City Council.
Volunteer connections with Stow nursing homes
Statewide budget cuts eliminated day-program transportation for nursing home residents served by Summit DD, leaving many isolated. The commission is organizing volunteers from clubs, daycares, and neighborhoods to visit residents consistently.