STOW: So where exactly is downtown Stow?
Council President Mike Rasor said there should be a more obvious answer to that, but none of the city’s scattered commercial districts answers to that description.
Now officials have taken the first step toward possibly turning city-owned land north of City Hall into a walkable entertainment district.
At Thursday’s council meeting, Rasor introduced legislation to hire an engineering and architectural firm to guide Stow’s efforts. It will be the job of OHM Advisers to determine what kind of businesses the area would support.
If the answer comes back chain stores and low-end retail, the idea is likely to be dropped, Mayor Sara Kline said.
If the answer comes back independent retail and restaurants, entertainment destinations and social gathering spaces, then the city would take the next step — looking for a private developer to make it happen.
“The administration is excited to see what opportunities will present themselves as a result of this process,” Kline said.
Rasor said the city’s goal is to not spend taxpayer money on the project. The $55,000 cost of the marketing survey will be paid for using the lodging tax charged to hotel guests.
Since 2006, the city has had a comprehensive plan that envisioned a pedestrian-friendly retail development at the City Center complex at Graham and Darrow roads, including 12 undeveloped acres that run north along Darrow.
Having that land available would save a developer time and money from assembling parcels, and give the city control of everything from the architectural look of the development to the type of tenants and parking, Rasor said.
While retail and restaurants are important, Planning Chairman John Pribonic stressed the need to create “a community gathering space that families and residents can enjoy,” making it a true downtown.
The city is promoting the fact that 20,000 vehicles pass through the Graham/Darrow intersection every day, making it one of the 10 busiest intersections in Summit County.
Stow officials said they have watched neighbors develop downtown areas. Hudson’s First and Main and the new downtown Kent are examples.
“People in Stow are proud of their community,” Rasor said. “They want to spend their entertainment dollars here. It’s time to give ‘Downtown Stow’ our best shot.”
But Kline and Rasor both cautioned that this will be a long process.
“This stage is all about discovering what’s possible,” Rasor said. “But I’d be lying if I said I’m not excited.”
Paula Schleis can be reached at 330-996-3741 or pschleis@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/paulaschleis.