Stadium project on back burner.

Byline: Linda Golz

Sep. 14--MACEDONIA -- Mayor Don Kuchta announced Thursday that the long-discussed proposal to build a sports complex in Macedonia and Northfield Center Township will not happen anytime soon.

"The stadium project is on hold," Kuchta said at a press conference. "It's time to step back."

Instead, Kuchta is calling for a study to look at the best way to develop undeveloped parcels along the east side of state Route 8.

The push for a study follows a proposal by Wolstein Sports & Entertainment Group to build a soccer and upscale retail complex on East Twinsburg Road at Route 8.

Recently, Macedonia received a letter from the National Park Service expressing concern that development would increase storm-water runoff in the region, said Steven Brunot, finance director for Macedonia.

Kuchta said there are more than 100 acres of wetlands in the area of the proposed project that cannot be disturbed.

He also said the study should consider the impact development would have on neighboring communities in other ways, such as traffic concerns and unfair retail competition.

The mayor believes "the best use (for the land) is one that is going to adequately address the storm-water concerns and the economic development issues," Brunot said.

Kuchta said he would like to see other communities and groups join together to help pay for the cost of a comprehensive study of the properties.

"The stadium complex is not moving forward until this study takes place," Kuchta said.

Linda Golz can be reached at 330-996-3640 or lgolz@thebeaconjournal.com. Beacon Journal staff writer Katie Byard contributed to this report.

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