The Stow Planning Commission unanimously approved three major items during its September 23 meeting, including a new Aldi grocery store, commercial rezoning for a former assisted living facility, and continued progress on the city’s zoning code update.
Aldi Store Approved for Graham Square Plaza
The commission approved plans for a new 20,000-square-foot Aldi grocery store at Graham Square Plaza. The store will replace the former Save A Lot space and an adjacent tenant at 911 Graham Road, with construction expected to begin in December and opening planned for the second or third quarter of 2026.
Patrick Valerius, representing Aldi, said the new location will help alleviate demand at the company’s Fish Creek Road store, which experiences parking shortages. The Graham Road store will feature 165 parking spaces after adding 19 new spots.
The project includes a complete renovation of the plaza’s exterior, giving the entire shopping center a facelift with new paint and updated materials. Aldi will demolish 15,000 square feet of existing space to build the larger store. The commission also approved a parking variance and shared parking agreement for the property.
Marsh Road Property Rezoned for Commercial Use
The commission approved rezoning 2.2 acres on Marsh Road from residential to general business use. Jessica Odenweller, vice president of operations at Sciota Properties, requested the zoning change for the property that contains two 16-unit buildings previously used as an assisted living facility.
The facility, operated by Sevita for people with disabilities, vacated in January. Odenweller said the company is seeking medical offices and administrative uses that would fit the existing layout with medical exam rooms and office spaces. The application will proceed to City Council for a first reading on October 9.
Zoning Code Update Nears Completion
The city’s comprehensive zoning code update is approaching completion after a 19-month process. The updated code addresses several recent issues, including regulations for chicken coops, natural landscape areas and fencing requirements. Residential lot size requirements will remain unchanged from current standards.
Planning staff noted that the chicken coop conversation at previous meetings was particularly interesting and resulted in what they believe is good code language. The new regulations will provide clear guidelines for residents interested in keeping chickens, addressing issues that have come up frequently over the past couple years.
If approved by the commission at its next meeting, the code will go to City Council for three readings, with final adoption planned for December and implementation approximately two months later.
Tweet: Stow Planning Commission approves new Aldi store for Graham Square Plaza, commercial rezoning on Marsh Road, and new chicken coop regulations. Construction on the 20,000 sq ft grocery store starts December 2025.
Former Assisted Living Facility on Marsh Road Approved for Commercial Use
The Planning Commission approved rezoning 2.2 acres on Marsh Road from residential to general business use, opening the door for commercial development at a former assisted living facility.
Jessica Odenweller, vice president of operations at Sciota Properties, requested the zoning change for the property at Marsh Road. The company owns more than 2,200 properties nationwide and purchased this site in 2017.
The property contains two 16-unit buildings that previously housed a group home facility operated by Sevita, which served people with disabilities. The facility vacated in January.
Odenweller said the company is not planning new construction but wants to attract medical offices and administrative uses that would fit the existing layout with medical exam rooms and office spaces.
Planning Commission members questioned whether neighboring residents had been contacted about the change. Odenweller acknowledged they had not reached out to neighbors but said the company would be happy to address any concerns.
The property is designated as medium-density residential in the city’s comprehensive plan. Under Stow’s proposed zoning code update, it would be incorporated as a C3 district to match surrounding commercial properties.
The application will proceed to City Council for a first reading on October 9.
Tweet: Stow Planning Commission approves commercial rezoning for former assisted living facility on Marsh Road. Property owner seeks medical office tenants for existing buildings with medical exam rooms.
Zoning Code Update Nears Completion After 19 Months
Stow’s comprehensive zoning code update is approaching completion after a 19-month process, with a formal application expected at the commission’s next meeting.
Planning staff reported receiving positive feedback from recent public meetings, with only one resident expressing concern about residential lot sizes. That issue was resolved when officials confirmed lot size requirements would remain unchanged from current standards.
The updated code addresses several issues that have emerged in recent years, including regulations for chicken coops, natural landscape areas and fencing requirements.
Zach, the city’s planning staff member, said the new code consolidates commercial districts from the current structure into three categories: C1, C2 and C3.
If approved by the commission, the code will go to City Council for three readings, with final adoption planned for December. The new regulations would take effect approximately two months later to allow time for updating fees and online permit systems.
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