Stow Council Approves Taco Bell, Amphitheater Project While Most Charter Amendments Fail

Community Recognition

Christian Roberts, a kindergarten student, received special recognition for helping neighbors with trash cans weekly. The young Stow resident was honored with a certificate and gifts for his voluntary community service.

Planning Committee Actions

Taco Bell Development Approved Despite Planning Commission Concerns

Council approved a new Taco Bell location at 1590 Norton Road after the Planning Commission’s July rejection. The commission opposed the fast-food restaurant, citing concerns it wouldn’t fit the intended character of the area near the planned amphitheater.

A traffic study showed potential need for a right-left turn lane within 30 years, which city engineers recommended, but Taco Bell declined to add the infrastructure. Council members questioned whether the application failed to meet current zoning requirements, with Planning Director Zach Cowan confirming the project meets all conditional use criteria. The 2,200-square-foot restaurant with drive-thru service and 10-foot bypass lane was approved, requiring five votes due to the planning commission denial.

Amphitheater Project Moves Forward

The highly anticipated city amphitheater project received approval for 1680 Norton Road. Key details include:

• 3,700-square-foot performance venue with 2,500-person capacity
• 10 ticketed music events annually
• Multi-use facility for farmers markets, outdoor movies, and community programs
• $400,000 forgivable loan included in city’s investment
• Commitment from property owners for three new non-chain restaurants
• Audio Technica partnership to minimize noise impact on nearby residents

Sign Variances and Lot Splits Approved

Hudson Reserve received approval for suspended-style entrance signs, and developers received permission to split the former Maple Park pool property into four residential lots.

Charter Review Amendments – Mixed Results

Nine charter amendments from the 2025 Charter Review Commission faced council votes. Results varied:

Passed (7-0):

• Electronic posting requirements for public notices
• Charter Review Commission scheduling changes

Failed to reach required 5-vote threshold:

• Acting mayor procedures clarification
• Acting finance director provisions
• Acting law director provisions
• Three-term limits for law and finance directors (currently two terms)
• Expansion from four to six council wards
• Four-year staggered council terms (currently two years)
• Ranked choice voting implementation

Council members expressed appreciation for the Charter Review Commission’s thorough work while citing various concerns about individual amendments.

Financial and Personnel Actions

New Positions Created

• Cindy Cloud appointed Recreation Aid (permanent part-time, converting from seasonal)
• Lisa McGonigal appointed Deputy Clerk of Council
• Jeff Napieralski appointed Landscape Arborist
• Oneta Caldwell appointed Custodian

Equipment and Infrastructure

• $48,000 front-end loader purchase for Fox Den Golf Course
• $28,653 drone purchase for police department using grant funding
• $140,000 city hall sign installation authorized
• Heritage House rebuild project bidding authorized
• Amphitheater construction bidding authorized
• Marketing contract approved with Secret Creative for amphitheater branding

Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Districts

Council approved five new TIF districts supporting economic development projects while keeping schools and library funding whole: AMF Burns, Hudson Reserve, Huntington Bank, Sunset Gardens, and the amphitheater property purchase.

Upcoming Events

• Stuff the Bus school supply drive (August 8-9)
• Family-focused Concert on the Green featuring the Shazbots (August 8)
• Final Popup in the Park at Oregon Trail Park (August 13)

Notable Discussions

A communications specialist position failed to receive enough votes, with some council members prioritizing safety and infrastructure over communications staff. School Resource Officer positions received second reading and will be voted on at the September 11 meeting.

Residents raised concerns about amphitheater impacts including noise, lighting, and traffic effects on nearby neighborhoods. City officials outlined mitigation measures including Audio Technica sound engineering and traffic management plans for large events.

Judge Cynthia Cirten introduced herself as Stow’s new Municipal Court judge, highlighting her 35 years of litigation experience.

The meeting demonstrated active community engagement with significant development projects while maintaining focus on resident concerns and fiscal responsibility.