Stow Council Approves Major Development Projects, Tax Abatements

Stow City Council approved multiple major development projects during its September 25 meeting, including tax incentive agreements for a new retail complex featuring Sheetz and Chick-fil-A, and site plan approval for the transformation of the former Kent Family Entertainment Center. Kent Road Development Gets Three Tax Abatements Council approved three separate Community Reinvestment Area tax incentive agreements for the former Stow Glenn retirement home property, which will be redeveloped into a retail complex along Kent Road. The development includes a 6,139-square-foot Sheetz gas station, a 5,023-square-foot Chick-fil-A restaurant, and two additional retail buildings totaling 28,100 square feet. All three parcels received 75% tax abatements for 12 years. Developer Lance Osborne explained the project requires extraordinary development costs, including demolishing the existing nursing home, delivering sanitary sewer infrastructure to the back parcel, and importing approximately 20,000 cubic yards of fill dirt to make the site suitable for development. The property currently has nearly $700,000 in tax arrearages that will be paid off when the transaction closes. Despite the abatements, the schools and city will still collect revenue. For the Sheetz property, schools will receive approximately $77,000 over the agreement period, while Sheetz commits to creating 36 jobs and $1 million in new payroll. Councilwoman Kelly Coffey voted against all three tax abatement agreements, stating she was "not comfortable with the amount of the abatement" and doesn't believe it's "the best thing for the city or the schools," though she expressed excitement about the development. Councilman Jeremy McIntire noted the schools will still receive revenue and that the city recently approved school resource officer positions that will be funded partially by revenue from these developments. Osborne urged council to act quickly, noting that Summit County courts are frustrated with delays and may initiate a sheriff's sale to collect the outstanding taxes if the transaction doesn't proceed soon. He indicated construction could begin within two weeks of approval. Former Bowling Alley to Become Vans Pizza Entertainment Complex Council approved site plan and variance requests for the transformation of the former Stow Kent Family Entertainment Center bowling alley into a modern entertainment venue. The project, developed by DP 146 LLC, will feature Vans Pizza restaurant and bar, a large arcade area, bowling lanes, and private party spaces. The 20,000-square-foot building will receive extensive exterior renovations including new facade materials, lighting, and landscaping. The site will add 15 new trees and 93 shrubs, expand parking, and renovate the existing miniature golf course while retaining the sand volleyball court. Planning Director Zach Cowen noted the developer will commit to approximately 89 jobs and $1.75 million in total payroll across the business. City Administrator thanked Cowen for his leadership on the project, stating "without Zach's total leadership on this project, it wouldn't have been there." Architect David Pelligra indicated the project will strip the building down to its framework, removing the roof and siding before rebuilding. Construction is expected to begin after the first of the year, with an anticipated opening around Halloween 2026. Councilman Cyle Feldman praised the project, saying "what a great property" and thanking the developer for "investing in Stow." Sheetz Sign Variance Approved After Planning Commission Denial Council approved sign variances for the Sheetz gas station despite a recommendation for denial from the planning commission. The approved sign is 20 feet, 4 inches tall and approximately 110 square feet, exceeding code requirements for both height and size. Planning commission had concerns about competitive advantage and wanted tenant panels placed at the top of the sign rather than pricing information. However, Sheetz representative explained that due to grade changes and a sewer easement running through the property, the monument sign on the east side of the property would be set back 20 feet and pricing wouldn't be visible at that location. Councilman Kyle Herman supported the original sign design, stating he didn't "want to delay this project any further" and noting that having prices visible by the Sheetz logo "is how most gas stations are" and helps consumers make decisions. Coffey voted against the sign variance, agreeing with planning commission that pricing should be at the bottom. Infrastructure Projects Authorized Council authorized bidding for three major road projects: Graham Road Resurfacing : From approximately 700 feet east of Darrow Road to Newcomer Road. The $1 million project will use 80% federal funds and 20% local funds through the Akron Metropolitan Area Transportation Study. Councilman Feldman questioned whether sidewalk improvements recommended in a 2023 traffic study