A plan to raze homes in Stow to create additional parking for Ron Marhofer Chevrolet continues to be a hot topic of discussion among city officials.
Stow City Council’s planning committee on Monday night took up the topic over whether to allow the car dealer to expand onto residential properties.
No action was taken as it requires three readings and a public hearing before a vote can be taken on the issue. The city’s zoning code does not permit the expansion without special approval by council.
The dealership, situated near the intersection of state Routes 91 and 59, is seeking the city’s permission to raze several homes on Thorndale Avenue to expand.
John Slagter, Marhofer’s attorney, said the dealership is just asking the city to allow the business to expand its operations.
“It’s the [city’s zoning] code itself saying we don’t want you to survive,” Slagter said.
Stow resident Allyson C. Burley said she and her husband purchased a home on Thorndale Avenue in April.
They later learned of Marhofer’s plans to expand on their street by tearing down three homes.
Michael Gordon, an attorney representing the Burleys, said the expansion would hurt those residential homes that would remain.
“Many of the houses were originally built in the 1920s,” he said. “[This] neighborhood, which is adjacent to an elementary school, is a staple and valuable neighborhood within the city of Stow.”
Discussion on the issue is slated to resume when council meets on Thursday.
