Planning commission approves rezoning map amendment for Marsh Road properties

The Stow City Planning Commission approved a rezoning map amendment, PC25-036, for parcels at 3605 and 3625 Marsh Road. The motion to approve was made by Speaker 3 and seconded by Speaker 5; roll-call votes were recorded as 'yes' by participating commissioners and the motion carried.

Staff said City Council previously denied a rezoning on Nov. 6 based on concerns about the intensity of uses under a C-4 classification and recommended the applicant pursue a less intensive district. Under the proposal, the properties would be rezoned from R-2 to C-2; staff explained that, when the city’s new zoning map and code take effect, C-2 parcels will be reclassified as C-1, a neighborhood-commercial district intended for small-scale commercial uses that complement nearby residential areas.

Patrick Powers of Pappas Realty, who was sworn, said the owner is marketing the buildings for lease with a focus on office or medical-office tenants rather than full redevelopment or sale: “They’re looking — we’re marketing it currently for lease, or looking to open it up to medical offices,” he told the commission.

Commissioners asked whether medical uses or a regional health-care center would be permitted; staff clarified that medical office is a permitted use under the applicable code and that converting to C-2 now will convert to C-1 under the upcoming code without requiring a separate reclassification.

Because the commission’s action is an approval recommendation, any conditions or subsequent council action will determine final zoning and allowable occupancy.