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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.