What happened at Monday's committee meetings of Stow City Council
The committees of Stow City Council met last night. My notes are posted below:
The Public Improvements Committee discussed a resolution asking for the state to return local control to the municipalities with respect to oil and gas wells. I am not anti-drilling or anti-fracking, but I am anti-fracking in neighborhoods — if for no other reason than the disturbance of residents’ peace of mind. A sweeping, one-size-fits-all law (i.e., same for rural and suburbs) has not been productive, and the state legislature should create a compromise.
We are requesting a state grant in the amount of $373,867 to improve the walking paths to elementary schools in the district. The most costly expenditure will be for a sidewalk on Fishcreek Road, south of Stow Road. I’m not yet a parent, but I am a runner. So anytime we can add sidewalks in our community, I’m all for it.
We have finally seen visual plans for what could be an overhaul of the Stow-Kent Shopping Center. It includes high-quality two-story apartments. Last night, Finance Committee voted to waive a fee for Stow-Kent Associates, LLC not to exceed $12,000. Planning Commission will receive the plans sometime in March, and it will likely reach council in April. I don’t want to comment too much more until I receive detailed architectural plans, but I’ll say I’m excited at where this project could go.
Council will vote on these matters on Thursday at 7 p.m. Also, those who wish to comment on the ATV legislation will have an opportunity to do that Thursday evening.
Teri Ashley
12:00 pm on Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Why apartments are there no stores willing to open up in the shopping center? I grew up here and back when I was younger the shopping center had a lot of great stores and they did really well. I understand you have all the stores across the street but the Stow Kent shopping Center is a staple here in Stow I am sure we can find something better to do with it that build apartments.
Nolan
10:12 am on Thursday, February 28, 2013
Stow-Kent Shopping Center was a staple 50-some years ago. When there was nothing else in the city or area. Just like State Rd Shopping Center was around the same time.
S-K is now a staple of embarrassment and of deadbeat owner who just sat and did nothing, while expecting retailers to relocate into a dump that hasn't been maintained for decades (and hanging and removing lame Christmas decorations around the holidays doesn't count as maintaining. lol)
And people are getting too work up about the PROPOSAL (ding ding ding) of apartments, automatically assuming it's going to cater to low-income/Section 8. I, for one, am presuming that will NOT be part of the plan.
Lina Amawi Mustafa
3:17 pm on Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Why apartments! Why not a nice shopping area like Hudson, or a rec. center so our kids don't have to go to other cities to workout or play soccer or basketball.
David Gofflinger
10:29 pm on Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Knock everything from Fitworks to the old Stambaughs down. Right now it looks like Rolling Acres.......Green Space and get creative with some new architecture and ideas.
Pat
7:48 am on Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Once again no apartments for seniors-one day these decision makers will need senior housing and will not be any available!
MIke
11:11 am on Wednesday, February 27, 2013
If they turn that area into more rentals, I'm selling my house in Stow! This is the least progressive city I have ever seen! NO restaurants, no rec centers, limited retail but if you're looking for a rundown rental house this is the place for you!
Nolan
10:06 am on Thursday, February 28, 2013
The way it works (among those of us who have and use common sense) is that if you want to be taken even remotely serious, try not to spout off like a complete moron with stupid comments like "no restaurants" and "limited retail."
You want a rec center, there are quite a few to choose from in the area. The Nat. Lifecenter Plus to name two! Although the latter is privately owned, The Nat is NOT free -- even to residents. And who do you think paid to build that? Are you willing to pay taxes -- in addition to a membership -- for a rec center.
Here's a better idea: pack up your crap and move to Akron-proper.
Joe Earley
1:17 pm on Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Those are all great comments as to what to do with shpping plaza, but there needs to be someone interested in investing the money to it. There are already plenty of vacant store fronts in the newer plazas. We need to fill those first. I would be interested in what the Stow Economic Development team has uncovered. Maybe the appartment complex is the only viable option at this point. Adding a portion for senior living should be considered.
I would love to see a community/rec center but that was presented to voters several years ago and it was summarily rejected. Time to try again? Perhaps. Green space? The city would have to accomplish that task. Purchasing the land would be costly for the city with no revenue in return.
Joe Earley
1:21 pm on Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Maybe they don't meet your definition of a restaurant, but a Google search results just returned 54 restaurants in Stow. Seems like there are choices out there.
J. T. Cornpone
4:56 pm on Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Whatever can be accomplished with regard to that dump will be a welcome improvement over what's there now. Whining about restaurants and recreation centers is useless. We voted against a rec center already, and there's plenty of places to eat around here.
Nolan
10:15 am on Thursday, February 28, 2013
COMPLAINERS-WHO-WANT-EVERYTHING-BUT-NOT-PAY-FOR-IT: "We want a rec center!"
COMMON SENSE PEOPLE: "Are you willing to *pay* for it, like everyone municipality that has one?"
SAID COMPLAINERS: "Oh, nevermind!"