Future of a Downtown Stow on Life Support
- Angie Charles
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
In each of the years 1991, 2001 and 2017, the City of Stow created Comprehensive Plans that would guide the future of development in the city based on resident input via surveys and public meetings.
In each report, mixed-use development was cited as a goal, specifically, “a city center will be created around the Darrow-Graham intersection to create a pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use “downtown” for the City.” (2017 Comprehensive Plan)
To realize that goal, in 2024 the city engaged a consulting firm to assist the city in a major rewriting of its zoning & planning codes, in part to make it easier for the organic development of a “Downtown Stow.” In the “Summary of Substantial Changes” to the zoning code, aligning with the Comprehensive Plan was cited as the first objective.
More than two years later, after multiple Steering Committee meetings, open houses and public meetings over a nearly two-year period to share and get input on those plans, the effort to create a Downtown Stow is on life support, thanks to an amendment proposed by Ward 2 Councilwoman Kelly Coffey and approved by Council at its Dec. 4, 2025 meeting that derailed the necessary coding changes to allow mixed-use development.
Residents have one chance to voice their opinion on new legislation to reverse those changes – at a public hearing in Council Chambers on Thursday, July 9 at 5 pm.
What is Mixed-Use Development
We see the concept of mixed-use development all around us, in neighboring cities like Cuyahoga Falls, Kent, Tallmadge and Hudson. Revitalized downtowns or retail areas that combine small retail shops and restaurants with 2nd floor or nearby townhomes, condos and apartments in districts that are walkable and engaging.
During the course of the two-year planning & zoning code rewrite project, many residents voiced support of being able to dine and shop in a walkable downtown here in Stow. But those voices and that input were all but forgotten by the time City Council was to vote on it.
What Happened to the Plan?
Three residents, led by former Councilman Brian Lowdermilk, showed up to the final 5 pm public hearing to voice their objections to changes to housing density that would enable mixed-use development. There were no residents there who spoke publicly in favor of it.
Two of the residents, Lowdermilk and Dave Conti, expressed support for amendments that Kelly Coffey had yet to introduce later that evening. Those amendments were not publicly available at the time of the public hearing.
“Why do we need more multiple unit housing?” Conti said. “Along with the cannabis slippery slope, multiple unit housing, additional (sic) reduces rent prices and an element person that comes to the city, which we all moved to get away from.”
“Let’s be honest. That’s what it is. That’s why I came here 36 years ago. We came because it was a safe community. Safe. Multi-family units will dilute that whole scenario. If you want to be Akron, Ohio, just say you want to be Akron, Ohio,” he said. See comments from that hearing here.
Later that evening, Coffey introduced an amendment that would limit housing density to six units per acre. While Planning Director Zack Cowan explained that the change would interfere with the plan for mixed-use development by preventing small condos, townhomes or apartments being built above retail businesses, Council approved the amendment 6-1, with Coffey, then Council At-Large Jeremy McIntire, Council President Cyle Feldman, Ward 1 Councilman Matt Riehl, Ward 3 Councilman John Baranek and Ward 4 Councilman Mario Fioca voting in favor. Councilman At-Large Kyle Herman was the lone vote against.
A Last Chance to Realize the Vision of a Downtown Stow
Councilwoman At-Large Kim Young, elected in November 2025, has proposed legislation that would alter the language that limited housing density to six units per acre to clarify that an increased housing density of 10 units per acre would be allowed only for units built above the ground floor and only on designated busy roads.
The proposal had its first two hearings on April 23 and May 14. The third and likely final hearing is Thursday, July 9, during Council’s regular meeting at 7 pm after the public hearing on the matter at 5 pm. In order to override the Dec. 4 vote, Council would have to approve Young’s proposal with a minimum of five votes.
Residents who have an interest in the development of a Downtown Stow are encouraged to attend and speak at the public hearing or send comments to council members by email. Written comments must be dropped off to City Hall or emailed to clerkofcouncil@stow.oh.us by noon on Thursday to be included in the meeting’s records.
Data Centers and Other Important Items on Agenda
There are several other important items on Council’s agenda for Thursday:
Proposed regulations for data centers – the city’s current code does not address data centers. The legislation has been proposed by Young. See the Staff Report on issues the zoning code could address.
A requested conditional use permit for a new restaurant that would inhabit the former Parasson’s.
A presentation by the Environmental Commission regarding a solar energy project for city buildings.
Legislation for two part-time School Resource Officers at Stow-Munroe Falls Schools, of which the city would pay 40% of the salaries.
An ordinance making a part-time public information officer position for the city full-time.
The City of Stow is what the residents make it, by providing input to our elected leaders on important city matters and by voting in leaders who share their values.
