Arts commission discusses amphitheater-linked redevelopment, trail spurs and Route 91 reconstruction

Stow City Arts Commission members discussed progress on a Norton Road redevelopment project that will include an amphitheater and space for public art, and considered how the project will connect to the city’s hike-and-bike trail.

Leila Griffiths, chair of the Stow City Arts Commission, said the project team and developer have intentionally designed the site to include public art “baked into the design” rather than added later. Drew Cena, who presented the update, said the developer’s latest renderings portray the frontage as a downtown-style street, with potential small businesses and rear-facing shops along the bike-and-hike trail to encourage destinations beyond the main roadway.

The commission discussed adding at least two spurs from the trail to the amphitheater area so visitors could park elsewhere along the trail and walk or bike to events. Drew said Metro Parks has cooperated on the idea and “they even have told us that we can brand the spurs,” which the commission sees as a way to draw more visitors to shops and restaurants in the redeveloped area.

Speakers also discussed connectivity across State Route 91. Jim McLeary reported he had worked with the state to shift the sequence of reconstruction so the city’s work will start at the Hudson line; that state project will eventually continue into Monroe Falls. Drew said that reconstruction of Route 91 will include sidewalks on both sides of the road along the project length and that Stow’s reconstruction is slated to start this year. He estimated the redevelopment portion could break ground “sometime this summer,” with construction expected to take less than a year, while the broader redevelopment and related phases could extend into 2026.

Commissioners asked about pedestrian connections to nearby facilities and whether an eventual pedestrian bridge could link to a new Life Center. Drew characterized the discussions as early-stage planning and said a number of design and legal items remain to be resolved before public announcement of final plans.

The commission did not take formal action on the project at the meeting; members asked for continued updates and for renderings to be brought back when legal issues clear.