Community Connectivity Grant

The City of Stow is about to join a growing cast of players that are pursuing connectivity throughout the Greater Akron area.

In its last virtual meeting of 2020, the AMATS Policy Committee on December 17 unanimously approved a $40,000 grant for the city to study livability and connectivity in Stow.

Community Preference Survey

City of Stow Connectivity PlanIf you have experience with walking and biking in the city, we want to hear from you! To provide your thoughts, visit the Brief Preference Survey website then use the relevant icons from the page to the map where you have a specific comment about transportation.

Project Overview

The Akron Metropolitan Area Transportation Study (AMATS), is the local metropolitan planning organization that coordinates comprehensive planning in the area and oversees the distribution of federal funding for transportation improvements. It offers annual grants through its Connecting Communities Program to assist in the development of plans that promote vibrant, livable communities. As one of the latest recipients of this funding, new pedestrian and cycling facilities and trail networks may be on the horizon for Stow. The planning process will be guided by City Architecture, a Cleveland-based planning, and architecture firm with vast experience in multi-modal transportation design.

Stow will use its grant to establish a framework for a city-wide, multi-modal trail network to accommodate all users. This network will not only serve Stow's various populations, businesses, and visitors but will connect the city to adjacent and regional destinations and multi-modal networks.

Seeking to build upon the existing bikeways and trails, the main objective is to develop a strategy to create the missing connections between these and the people that use them. The city and its partners will explore the potential of shared-use paths and side paths as the primary facilities for the city's trail network. The study will also determine the viability of placing trails within one-quarter mile of every resident and business. Project partners will solicit input and feedback from the community several times throughout the planning process to confirm the data and help inform and prioritize key focus areas. The resulting plan will provide direction for Stow to develop a city-wide trail network that increases alternative transportation options to connect people to places, and promotes complete street principles to create vibrant and safe places for all users.

The City of Stow is committed to an open and transparent process. Throughout the duration of the plan, project updates, meeting presentations, and opportunities for the community to engage and provide input will be hosted here on the city's webpage. Continue to check back in the coming weeks and months for the latest uploads and events.

Project Goals

  • Connect people to the planning process
  • Complete trails and connections via missing links / last mile
  • Design initiatives in key focus areas
  • Create implementable plan
  • Early win to demonstrate/gather momentum

Project Schedule

  • August 2021
    • Project kick-off and existing conditions analysis
  • September through October
    • Community outreach and preliminary studies
  • November
    • Preferred alternatives and community open house
  • December
    • Drafting of final recommendations
  • January 2022
    • Presentation of final recommendations

Community Engagement Events

  • Bike and BrainstormCommunity Open House
    • Thursday, November 4, 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm, Stow City Hall Council Chambers
    • Stow residents are invited to participate in an open house to receive updated information and give input on the future of connectivity in Stow.
  • Bike - N - Brainstorm
    • Saturday, October 16 at 9 am, Stow City Hall
    • Stow residents are invited to participate in an 8-mile bike ride followed by a brainstorming session to improve cycling in Stow!
    • View the Bike N Brainstorm Fyler (PDF)

Resources