From the Stow Sentry:

 

 

City center plans up for first vote

by Andrea Cole

Reporter

 

Stow - Architect John Toomey envisions a downtown City Center in Stow’s future, and if preliminary plans are approved Tuesday by the Planning Commission, his vision could become a reality.

 

Toomey, who was hired by the city as a consultant in 2004 for $13,500, said he has worked on a preliminary concept for a City Center on the corner of Route 91 and Graham Road for two years. The Planning Commission is scheduled to vote on the plan Jan. 31 at 7 p.m. in Stow City Hall.

 

http://www.stowsentry.com/article.php?pathToFile=/articles//news/&file=_news3.txt&article=1&tD=

 

From the Stow Sentry:

 

 

Despite protests, town center plans OK’d by Stow Planning Commission

by Kristin Casale

Reporter

 

Stow - Despite opposition from some nearby residents, Planning Commission unanimously approved a plan to develop a town center for Stow.

 

City Council’s Planning Committee will vote on the plan during its next meeting, scheduled for Feb. 6 at 7 p.m., said Stow Deputy Planning Director Rob Kurtz.

 

Approximately 55 residents attended Tuesday’s Planning Commission meeting about the proposed city center plan. The majority of the attendees said they live near the site and are concerned the plan would cause flooding, added traffic on their streets or bring unwanted visitors near their homes.

 

http://www.stowsentry.com/article.php?pathToFile=/articles//news/&file=_news3.txt&article=1&tD=

 

From the 2/13/06 Akron Beacon Journal:

 

 

Stow City Center plan to serve as guideline

Under proposal, path would skirt preserve

By Sandra M. Klepach

Beacon Journal staff writer

 

The plan to bring a path through Stow's nature preserve is not yet set in stone...

 

http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/news/13859420.htm?source=rss&channel=ohio_news

 

Posted on Mon, Mar. 27, 2006

 

Stow City Center plan to be finalized in April

Proposal incorporates outdoor amphitheater

By Beth Rankin

Beacon Journal staff writer

 

STOW - After five years of discussion, debate and deliberation, the planning phase for the look of Stow's City Center is coming to a close...

 

http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/14195919.htm

From the Stow Sentry:

 

 

Consultants say city center plan will give Stow an ‘image’

by Andrea Cole

Reporter

 

Stow - Consultants hired by the city to put together an economic plan say building a city center will help develop an “image” for the city.

 

Consultant Curtiss Williams & Associates made the suggestion in a 125-plus-page economic development plan that was presented to City Councilmembers April 18.

 

Council President Ron Gauthier said Councilmembers will discuss the plan in a Council-of-the-Whole Committee before voting on it. A committee meeting has not yet been scheduled. If the plan is approved, it then will be implemented by the city’s economic development department.

 

http://www.stowsentry.com/article.php?pathToFile=/articles//news/&file=_news6.txt&article=1&tD=

 

From the 5/1/06 Stow Sentry:

 

 

City Council holds vote on city center

by Andrea Cole

Reporter

 

Stow - City Councilmembers say they hope the construction of a city center plan, which would include an amphitheater, a multi-purpose town center and walking trails, will create a downtown for Stow.

 

Although Council planned to vote on the city center proposal April 27, the legislation was held because Councilmember Ron Alexander was not at the meeting. Council took an official recess during the meeting Thursday and will reconvene May 8 at 7 p.m., when members expect to vote on the plan.

 

According to the planning department, the 62-acre city center would comprise property located on the corner of Route 91 and Graham Road, extending north to the Locust Grove condominiums, and includes Stow City Hall, the safety and service buildings, SKiP Playground, the Sancturetum and additional property north of the post office.

 

http://www.stowsentry.com/article.php?pathToFile=/archive/05012006/news/&file=_news1.txt&article=1&tD=05012006

 

From the 5/12/06 Akron Beacon Journal:

 

 

Stow City Center to build in phases

Capital budget to fund long-range planning to create a 'downtown'

By Karen Mathena

Special to the Beacon Journal

 

STOW - With Stow City Council's approval, the city plans to add an arboretum, amphitheater and boulevard to the campus as part of a long-range plan for City Center.

 

The project will be done in phases using funds from the city's capital budget, according to Deputy Planning Director Rob Kurtz.

 

Stow City Council, which unanimously approved the plan earlier this week, will consider each phase individually, probably one each year.

 

http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/news/14561522.htm?source=rss&channel=ohio_news

 

From the 12/11/06 Stow Sentry:

 

 

Building fits plans for city center complex

by Andrea Cole

Associate Editor

 

Stow - A proposed two-story office building represents the type of facility city officials want to see in the city center complex, Planning Director Ken Trenner said.

 

Stow Planning Commission on Dec. 6 approved construction of a two-story, 4,000-square-foot office building on Darrow Road, across from Stow City Hall. The building will be owned by Dr. Joseph Bastolla, who currently owns a two-story facility on the property.

 

Commissioner Chris Brauer said he hopes future buildings in the area will have a similar layout.

 

http://www.stowsentry.com/article.php?pathToFile=/archive/12112006/news/&file=_news2.txt&article=1&tD=12112006&PHPSESSID=9035f166f0397c0c31a8c656ea7b8719

 

Stow council OKs expansion of auto dealership, rejects proposed crematorium

 

By Heather Beyer

Special to the Beacon Journal

Published: January 10, 2013 - 10:45 PM | Updated: January 11, 2013 - 12:01 PM

 

STOW: It was a packed house at Stow City Council on Thursday night as two hotly debated issues were up for a vote.

 

Council opted to grant auto dealer Ron Marhofer’s request for a text amendment in the city's zoning code which would allow him to expand his operations onto residential land adjacent to his dealership and rejected a proposed crematorium.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/stow-council-oks-expansion-of-auto-dealership-rejects-proposed-crematorium-1.364099

 

Stow’s industrial corridor filling up again

 

By Paula Schleis

Beacon Journal staff writer

Published: January 10, 2013 - 11:06 PM

 

STOW: Two years ago, one-fifth of the city’s industrial corridor along Commerce Drive was vacant.

 

During his 15 years with the city, Planning and Development Director Rob Kurtz said he doesn’t believe Commerce Drive was ever greater than 85 percent filled.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/local-news/stow-s-industrial-corridor-filling-up-again-1.364059

Stow City Council gives blessing to Little Caesar's on Kent Road; former Taco Bell demolished

 

by Jeff Saunders | reporter Published: December 1, 2013 12:00AM

 

Stow -- Four years after a Taco Bell closed, demolition of the vacant building began Nov. 25 in preparation for the construction of a new Little Caesar's location on Kent Road (Route 59), west of Fishcreek Road, next year.

 

The building was completely demolished by the next day.

 

The action followed City Council's Nov. 21 6-0 approval, with one absence, of a site plan and conditional zoning certificate for the pizza franchise.

 

http://stowsentry.com/news%20local/2013/12/01/stow-city-council-gives-blessing-to-little-caesar-s-former-taco-bell-demolished

 

Owners, city 'excited' over Stow-Kent Shopping Center redevelopment

Site plans for redevelopment to come before planning commission Dec. 3

 

by Marsha mckenna senior editor Published: December 1, 2013 12:00AM

 

Stow -- "It's starting to feel more tangible."

 

That's how Mayor Sara Drew describes the proposed $15 million redevelopment for the Stow-Kent Shopping Center, which is on the Dec. 3 planning commission meeting agenda for site plan and conditional zoning certificate approval.

 

The request is being made by Stuart Graines and Rob Risman of Stow Kent Associates LLC, property owners, to allow the redevelopment of the plaza into a mixed-used development.

 

http://stowsentry.com/news%20local/2013/12/01/owners-city-excited-over-stow-kent-shopping-center-redevelopment

 

I'm not impressed. This looks marginally better than the Cascades in Brimfield. Replace the apartment complexes there with the townhomes planned for Stow, and you have just about the same thing, complete with token green space and the obligatory asphalt sea of parking spaces.

 

I still say Stow is in competition with Green to win the title of "Most Bland Akron Suburb" possible. Give me Cuyahoga Falls, Barberton, Medina, Wadsworth, Kent or Ravenna any day in their places.

Meijer grocery store could be coming to former Stow-Kent Plaza instead of residential neighborhood

 

By Paula Schleis

Beacon Journal staff writer

Published: November 12, 2014 - 07:26 PM

 

STOW: Developers want to dump plans for a new residential neighborhood at the former Stow-Kent Plaza in exchange for a Meijer grocery/department/garden super store and gas station, the first of its kind in Northeast Ohio.

 

In a 3-2 vote this week, the Stow Planning Commission approved a conditional zoning certificate and site plan for the project. The matter now goes to the City Council’s Planning Committee, which could discuss and vote on the matter Monday before passing it to the whole of City Council next Thursday.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/local/meijer-grocery-store-could-be-coming-to-former-stow-kent-plaza-instead-of-residential-neighborhood-1.540410

Interesting to see Meijer seriously looking at entering the NE Ohio market. Honestly though, I'm not sure Stow would be the best location for them. Where they are looking there is a fairly busy area, but it's got nothing on say, Montrose or Belden Village, which are somewhat regional in pull. Stow isn't a destination spot at all.

 

Plus, all of the Meijer stores I've seen are typically located in easily accessible, high traffic areas, usually near an Interstate, like around I-270 in Columbus. Greater Akron has no such loop, and the closest thing to an interstate highway, Rt. 8, is a few miles down the road.

 

All this, and it seems to me that Stow would be better off trying to go for density, rather than more sprawl. A mixed-use development akin to Crocker Park, with apartments or condos over storefronts would be a more forward-looking use for this property.

 

Interesting to see Meijer seriously looking at entering the NE Ohio market. Honestly though, I'm not sure Stow would be the best location for them. Where they are looking there is a fairly busy area, but it's got nothing on say, Montrose or Belden Village, which are somewhat regional in pull. Stow isn't a destination spot at all.

 

Plus, all of the Meijer stores I've seen are typically located in easily accessible, high traffic areas, usually near an Interstate, like around I-270 in Columbus. Greater Akron has no such loop, and the closest thing to an interstate highway, Rt. 8, is a few miles down the road.

 

All this, and it seems to me that Stow would be better off trying to go for density, rather than more sprawl. A mixed-use development akin to Crocker Park, with apartments or condos over storefronts would be a more forward-looking use for this property.

 

 

Agreed.  At this point, Stow is Parma trying to pretend it is Orange. 

I was surprised this was able to stay open so long as a free-standing location. In the past year, nearly all of the dilapidated Stow-Kent Plaza across the parking lot from this Macy's was torn down with much of the land going towards a new Meijer location. 

 

Customers sad, angry to see Macy’s closing

Link: https://www.record-courier.com/news/20200107/customers-sad-angry-to-see-macys-closing

Laura Freeman - Jan. 7, 2020

 

"The retailer announced Monday that the story will close in the next two to three months. Stow Mayor John Pribonic said 'it was kind of a shock ... we knew nothing about [the closing]' before the announcement. 'It was kept quiet up to that point.'"

Edited January 9, 20205 yr by NorthShore647

9 hours ago, NorthShore647 said:

I was surprised this was able to stay open so long as a free-standing location. In the past year, nearly all of the dilapidated Stow-Kent Plaza across the parking lot from this Macy's was torn down with much of the land going towards a new Meijer location. 

 

Customers sad, angry to see Macy’s closing

Link: https://www.record-courier.com/news/20200107/customers-sad-angry-to-see-macys-closing

Laura Freeman - Jan. 7, 2020

 

"The retailer announced Monday that the story will close in the next two to three months. Stow Mayor John Pribonic said 'it was kind of a shock ... we knew nothing about [the closing]' before the announcement. 'It was kept quiet up to that point.'"

I'm not surprised, but this closure has more to do with lack of imagination and willingness to invest in bricks and mortar on the part of Macy's than any shortcomings of the location. You don't have to look far to see the immediate area is thriving with best in class retailers doing good business all around it: Target, Kohl's, Aldi, Hobby Lobby, and Giant Eagle all within 1/4 mile.  And Meijer invested in a brand new supercenter just last year literally across the parking lot.   So the demographics and fundamentals for retail in this spot are good.  The only thing missing for Macy's was a willingness to invest in updating the physical plant in order to compete.  That store is the dingiest and most depressing and dated department store I think I've ever been in.  Inside it looks like it hasn't been touched in 40 or 50 years.  It's almost insulting to the public to expect them to shop there.  It's not all that far removed from the Sears and Kmart experience of the past 15 years when they made a conscious decision to stop spending on the stores. How could they expect anyone to shop there given that environment and all the far more compelling offerings in the neighborhood?  Good riddance.

33 minutes ago, JohnSummit said:

I'm not surprised, but this closure has more to do with lack of imagination and willingness to invest in bricks and mortar on the part of Macy's than any shortcomings of the location. You don't have to look far to see the immediate area is thriving with best in class retailers doing good business all around it: Target, Kohl's, Aldi, Hobby Lobby, and Giant Eagle all within 1/4 mile.  And Meijer invested in a brand new supercenter just last year literally across the parking lot.   So the demographics and fundamentals for retail in this spot are good.  The only thing missing for Macy's was a willingness to invest in updating the physical plant in order to compete.  That store is the dingiest and most depressing and dated department store I think I've ever been in.  Inside it looks like it hasn't been touched in 40 or 50 years.  It's almost insulting to the public to expect them to shop there.  It's not all that far removed from the Sears and Kmart experience of the past 15 years when they made a conscious decision to stop spending on the stores. How could they expect anyone to shop there given that environment and all the far more compelling offerings in the neighborhood?  Good riddance.

 

I'll disagree. I think the demographics of the area currently more support a Kohl's for clothing and home goods than a Macy's.

New retail building planned for Kent Road in Stow

By LAURA FREEMAN Reporter

Posted Jun 3, 2020 at 12:01 AM Updated Jun 3, 2020 at 3:05 PM

 

STOW — A four-unit retail building could be added to Kent Road’s business district.

Planning Commission May 26 recommended approval of a retail building which will be sent to City Council for review.

Vincent Frammartino of Frammartino Construction Co. asked for a site plan and variance approval in order to construct a 4,800- square-foot retail building on two vacant lots located at 3274 Kent Road between Gorge Park Boulevard and Sycamore Drive.

 

https://www.mytownneo.com/news/20200603/new-retail-building-planned-for-kent-road-in-stow

 

 

Across from the Aldi on Fishcreek Rd. Anyone know what they’re building?

 

Edited April 19, 20214 yr by Silent Matt

Summa medical building.

https://www.mytownneo.com/news/20191127/stow-council-approves-summa-site-after-adding-fence-requirement

Summa Medical Building update.

 

Edited April 19, 20214 yr by Silent Matt

Emboldened by industrial demand, Fogg sets two-building plan for Euclid and Stow

Stan Bullard - Crain's Cleveland Business - Feb. 7, 2021

 

"And in Stow, a 247,000-square-foot structure is planned for Seasons Business Park. That building will open a second phase of the park on the southwest side of the Seasons Road interchange with State Route 8. It will require building a 1/3-mile street with utilities to convert the greenfield from raw land to a ready-to-build industrial park with sites available for new structures. ... The second phase of Seasons Business Park is in development because the first phase, on the opposite side of Seasons Road, is fully developed with four buildings. It has about 600,000 square feet of rentable space, and just 40,000 square feet is left available, Fogg said."

https://stowohio.org/documents/2021/01/2021-002.pdf

 

Quick shot of Summa Building from stop light. Sign says opening in Spring 2021. I don’t think that’s happening.

Bowling is out, but Spins Bowl developer is in as Sto-Kent site heads for 'gut renovation'

Molly Walsh

Akron Beacon Journal

 

After purchasing the former site of Sto-Kent Entertainment for nearly $1 million, its new developer plans to open another entertainment venue with more outdoor activities.

Diamond Properties President Bill Diamond said the goal for the Sto-Kent location is to transform it into an indoor/outdoor entertainment venue that offers a compelling experience for all ages and demographics.

 

https://www.record-courier.com/story/news/2022/06/27/spins-bowl-owner-diamond-properties-plans-gut-renovation-sto-kent-entertainment/7566414001/?utm_source=record-courier-DailyBriefing&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=daily_briefing&utm_term=list_article_thumb&utm_content=NREC-OHIO-KENTRAVENNA-NLETTER65

Field house coming to Stow-Munroe Falls High School campus: What we know

Derek Kreider

Akron Beacon Journal

 

Construction of a new field house on the grounds of Stow-Munroe Falls High School is moving closer to reality.

District officials and the architect for the project appeared before Stow's planning commission last week to request a number of site variances, which were granted.

 

https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/local/2023/07/17/what-we-know-about-the-field-house-at-stow-monroe-falls-high-school/70410195007/?utm_source=nabj-DailyBriefing&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=daily-briefing&utm_term=hero&utm_content=OHIO-AKRON-NLETTER65

Stow planners postpone Miller’s Landing decision to late September amid challenge

Derek Kreider

Akron Beacon Journal

 

A vote on final plat approval for the proposed Miller’s Landing development has been delayed until Sept. 26.

At the Tuesday meeting of the Stow Planning Commission, Law Director Jamie Syx announced that commission and City Council have been sued by a group of residents seeking to halt the Pulte Group from moving ahead with plans to build a 45-home subdivision called Miller’s Landing on North River Road between Saratoga Boulevard and Marsh Road.

 

https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/local/2023/08/24/proposed-pulte-development-millers-landing-meets-with-delays/70655472007/?utm_source=nabj-DailyBriefing&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=daily-briefing&utm_term=Content List - Stacking - optimized&utm_content=OHIO-AKRON-NLETTER65

Stow City Council to work with outside counsel on Miller's Landing zoning questions

April Helms

Akron Beacon Journal

 

The proposal for Miller's Landing, which includes constructing 45 homes near North River and Marsh roads, was tabled over zoning questions.

The outside counsel has been asked to address if the development creates three separate blocks.

Stow City Council on Monday agreed to hire outside legal counsel to answer zoning issue questions about the proposed Miller's Landing development.

 

The city is contracting with McDonald Hopkins LLC in Cleveland for $30,000 to help clarify whether the area should be considered three separate city blocks — and if those blocks are narrower than what the city's zoning requires.

 

https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/local/2023/11/21/outside-counsel-hired-by-stow-to-address-millers-landing-questions/71660783007/?utm_source=nabj-DailyBriefing&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=daily-briefing&utm_term=Content List - Stacking - optimized&utm_content=OHIO-AKRON-NLETTER65

Stow City Council approves plan for 45-home Miller's Landing development

April Helms

Akron Beacon Journal

 

A proposal to build 45 single-family homes in a new Stow development called Miller's Landing is moving forward after City Council on Thursday voted 5-2 to approve the plan.

Some residents strongly objected to the PulteGroup plan, citing concerns about traffic, safety, flooding and school overcrowding as a result of the new construction at North River and Marsh roads in the city's southeastern section. A group of about 20 who stayed for the vote quietly exited the meeting as soon as their hopes of blocking the development were defeated.

 

https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/local/2023/12/15/stow-council-oks-pultegroup-plan-for-millers-landing-development/71927909007/?utm_source=nabj-DailyBriefing&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=daily-briefing&utm_term=Content List - Stacking - optimized&utm_content=OHIO-AKRON-NLETTER65

Dick's Sporting Goods plans new store at former Macy's site in Stow

April Helms

Akron Beacon Journal

 

Those wondering what might replace the former Macy's in Stow may now have an answer.

A proposal to construct a 50,023-square-foot building in the Stow-Kent Shopping Center for a Dick's Sporting Goods store will go before Stow's Planning Commission on Tuesday. The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at the Stow City Hall, 3760 Darrow Road.

 

https://www.record-courier.com/story/news/local/2024/01/05/dicks-sporting-goods-store-proposed-for-stows-former-macys-site-planning-commission/72111353007/?utm_source=record-courier-daily-briefing&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=dailybriefing&utm_term=hero&utm_content=nrec-kentravenna-nletter65

Could Stow and Hudson come together and purchase LifeCenter Plus? It's possible

April Helms

Akron Beacon Journal

 

Stow and Hudson are exploring a joint purchase of LifeCenter Plus in Hudson to serve as a recreation center for both communities.

Officials from both cities recently met to talk about the feasibility of working together to purchase the private recreation center, Stow Mayor John Pribonic said this week.

 

https://www.record-courier.com/story/news/local/2024/12/19/stow-hudson-consider-joint-purchase-lifecenter-plus/77033266007/?utm_source=record-courier-daily-briefing&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=dailybriefing&utm_term=Content List - Stacking - optimized&utm_content=nrec-kentravenna-nletter65

Hudson not considering purchase of LifeCenter Plus with Stow for joint recreation center

Craig Webb

Akron Beacon Journal

 

The city of Hudson says it is not interested in acquiring LifeCenter Plus as a potential recreation center that it would operate jointly with neighboring Stow.

Hudson City Manager Thomas Sheridan made the announcement over the weekend via the city's website.

 

https://www.record-courier.com/story/news/2025/01/21/hudson-not-considering-purchase-of-lifecenter-plus/77836081007/