Stow Wetland Variance, Marsh Road Rezoning, Vape Shop Investigation

STOW, Ohio – In a marathon session spanning over two hours on January 8, 2026, the Stow City Council’s committee meetings provided a comprehensive look at the city’s growth and the challenges facing local law enforcement. From the progress of major retail chains like Aldi and Sheetz to a significant update on a county-wide criminal investigation into local vape stores, the evening’s proceedings touched on nearly every facet of city operations. Planning Committee: Retail Growth and Zoning Challenges Planning Director Mr. Cowan opened the evening with a series of highly anticipated development updates. He confirmed that Sheetz is on track to begin construction in mid-February, while Aldi is expected to start the demolition of the old Save-A-Lot on Graham Road within the next one to two months. On Campus Drive, the AMF Bruns and Sunbelt Rentals projects are nearing completion, with a ribbon-cutting for AMF Bruns set for April. The committee also moved two significant items to the full council agenda. The first involved a request for a 3,600-square-foot storage building at 816 Seasons Road, which requires a variance to encroach into a wetland setback. The applicant, Adam Roman, noted that they have already secured permits from the Army Corps of Engineers for wetland mitigation. The second item involved the rezoning of 2.2 acres on Marsh Road from residential to limited retail. This move aims to allow for the adaptive reuse of two vacant assisted living buildings for office or medical use, a plan the Planning Commission recommended as a suitable transition for the neighborhood. Roads and Safety: Vape Shop Investigation and Record Service Calls The most dramatic update of the evening came during the Roads and Safety Committee meeting. Police Chief Prusha detailed a December 17 operation where search warrants were served on three Stow vape stores as part of a massive, 11-location sting across the county. The raids, triggered by complaints to Law Director Riley, resulted in the seizure of large quantities of marijuana, other Schedule 1 drugs, a firearm, and cash. Riley emphasized the complexity of the ongoing investigation, noting that testing substances to distinguish between legal hemp and illegal marijuana is a time-consuming process. Fire Chief Stone also reported a milestone for the department, noting a record 6,227 calls for service in the past year—a 12% increase. He highlighted that approximately 20% of these calls originate from extended care facilities, a trend expected to continue as new facilities open in the area. Finance Committee: Golf Course Success and Infrastructure The Finance Committee celebrated the continued success of the Fox Den Golf Course. Revenue at the course increased 8.5% over the previous year and has grown by 39% over the last five years, with food and beverage sales alone exceeding $390,000. To support this growth, the committee moved several contracts forward for golf supplies, fertilizers, and concessions. In other business, the committee discussed the resignation of Tax Administrator Sammy Wagner and the ongoing search for a replacement. Councilman Feldman also praised the city’s proactive use of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts, noting that other municipalities are now looking to Stow as a model for economic development.