While Summa Western Reserve Hospital had hoped to build off of Season's Road in Stow this year, the city's mayor says groundbreaking is up in the air.
"Initially, they were hoping for breaking ground later this year, that may or may not be able to happen," Drew said, on the 1590 WAKR Ray Horner Morning Show Thursday.
Drew says she's told the economy has slowed the process for SWRH, but the principle partners remain optimistic.
"They're confident that they're moving forward," Drew said.
The hospital, proposed to sit off the newly paved Route 8 exit, would bring 600 jobs to Stow.
"That's the linchpin for further medical office or associated type development," she said.
Drew doesn't see the location attracting a large number of retail businesses similar to the bustling Steels Corners Road exit.
Meanwhile, redevelopment efforts are underway to better utilize the current Stow-Kent Shopping Center on Rt. 59.
Stow city officials have met with the owner of the plaza to institute a zoning overlay district, which would allow for a mix of residential, retail and office space, similar to First and Main in Hudson. Drew says the owner is enthusiastic about the possibility.
"I couldn't be more pleased with how things are going right now," Drew said.
The new future for the plaza could become a reality. The city planning commission approved the overlay district and the measure will go before city council in late July.
If it's given the green light, Drew expects the old plaza to be demolished, with a new structure in its place. A study is planned to determine the proper mix of housing, retail and office space.
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