Business Development Highlights
The meeting featured updates on local business growth with Mayor Scaffide reporting new openings in Twinsburg. Among these was Better Together Dentistry, which has significantly renovated the former bakery location on Route 82 behind Walgreens. The husband and wife dental team—an orthodontist and dentist—completely transformed the space, repaving the parking lot and upgrading the landscaping.
Another notable business opening was Tanisha Taylor Coaching, which now occupies suite 10808 in Stone Creek Commons on Ravenna Road. Councilmember Labbe highlighted that Taylor, a former JEDI committee member, offers life coaching services to young adults, helping with financial management, career planning, and life skills.
Mayor Scaffide expressed satisfaction with the business climate, noting: “People are recognizing Twinsburg. They’re seeing the value of being here, and they’re reinvesting and investing in our community.” He mentioned that three or four more ribbon cuttings are scheduled in the coming weeks.
Financial and Economic Development Matters
Several ordinances related to financial and economic development were discussed:
Ordinance 47-2025 proposes implementing sewer rate changes to fund needed repairs and increasing maintenance costs. The plan includes a 4% increase starting July 1, 2025, with annual increases through 2030.
The council discussed Ordinance 52-2025, which would discontinue annual funding to the Twinsburg Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) from the transient guest tax. Law Director Zanna explained that since 2013, the CIC has received 50% of the bed tax in exchange for monitoring Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) agreements and Twinsburg Occupancy Program (TOP) agreements.
Economic Development Director Zigler clarified the changing focus of the CIC: “Our goal is that hopefully this grant program is so successful and we’re going through funds so quickly…the intention would be that the CIC group would come and present to you all annually and if they are going to be requesting funds…they would need to give you an update.” The CIC currently has approximately $450,000 on hand.
The Mayor also highlighted the golf course’s strong financial performance: “We had more rounds of golf there last year in history than we’ve ever had. And this year is starting out no different when the weather’s good…last weekend [we took in] well over thousands of dollars in revenues.”
Ordinance Updates
Ordinance 48-2025 proposes updating language in Chapter 913 to change the title of “Public Works Director” to “Director of Wastewater Treatment,” reflecting the charter changes voters approved in November 2023 that divided public works into wastewater and service departments.
Ordinance 49-2025 addresses rezoning parcel 64-000096 at 9392 Ravenna Road from C2 Commercial to I1 Intensive Commercial and Light Industrial. Councilmember Furey expressed support for the change, noting that the property owner “has already demolished one of the dilapidated motels” and plans similar improvements for adjacent properties.
Ordinance 50-2025 would amend Chapter 195 regarding the Twinsburg Occupancy Program, which hasn’t been updated in about 20 years. Economic Development Director Zigler explained: “All of the revisions that were suggested here are in keeping with our neighbors—Solon, Beachwood, Hudson—it’s just kind of maintaining status quo with them, trying to still be competitive as a community of choice for these types of employers.”
The council also discussed Resolution 51-2025, which would amend a CRA agreement with CraftPac to change the start date from 2025 to 2026 due to construction delays. Council agreed to place this on emergency status for immediate approval.
Ordinance 53-2025 proposes significant changes to parking regulations, including banning overnight parking on residential streets, prohibiting parking on the fire hydrant side of streets, and restricting on-street parking during snow emergencies.
Community Recognition and Events
The Environmental Commission presented its first annual Good Neighbor Award to Steve Piccolo. John from the commission explained that Piccolo was recognized for regularly picking up trash in his corner of Twinsburg “not seeking recognition…but just doing it because he cares about the environment, cares about the city we live in.”
Jonah Pette provided an update on the recent Earth Day/Arbor Day event, which was well-attended despite rain forcing some last-minute changes. Pette noted that several attendees mentioned learning about the event from council meeting discussions.
Mayor Scaffide reported that Memorial Day events will be held on May 26, with a parade starting at 10:30 AM from the high school to the square, where the VFW will hold a ceremony. He noted that this year’s event will feature a C-130 aircraft flyover.
The Mayor also mentioned attending the State of the Schools event at the Hilton Garden Inn, giving “a shout out to all the young people that got awards there that day.”
Public Safety Updates
Councilmember Bonacci highlighted the new fire truck “Tower One,” which he observed being put into service. He noted the improved efficiency: “45 seconds parks it and it could be aerial. And compared to the previous ladders, it saves about 2 minutes 25 seconds.”
Mayor Scaffide reported on the swearing-in of two new firefighters on May 5: Mike Kapowski, who was promoted from part-time, and Brandon Beck, who is new to the department. He explained this hiring is part of an ongoing effort to bring safety forces up to appropriate levels for the city’s growth, with plans to add three more firefighters/medics in the near future.
The meeting also included a moving statement from resident Sundari Chilukuri about a terrorist attack in Kashmir, India, on April 22, 2025, which claimed 26 lives.
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