Stark County to Build Greentown Roundabout Despite Pushback

The $4.95 million project aims to improve safety and reduce congestion, but some residents are concerned about impacts to the historic area.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Stark County will move forward with construction of a single-lane roundabout at the intersection of State Street NW and Cleveland Avenue NW in the Greentown area of Lake Township, despite some community opposition. The project is expected to begin in spring 2028 and be completed by fall 2029, and will include new sidewalks, lighting, landscaping, and crosswalks.

Why it matters

The intersection currently has a traffic signal and has seen 27 crashes between 2022-2024, with an average of 17,850 vehicles passing through daily. The roundabout is expected to improve safety and reduce congestion, but some residents are concerned it could alter the historic character of the 'Greentown Square' area.

The details

The roundabout project will require the acquisition of two commercial properties - the former art gallery in the southeast quadrant and a partial impact or acquisition of the East of Chicago Building in the northwest quadrant. Historic buildings nearby are not expected to be impacted. Construction will occur in three phases, with the entire intersection closing for 90 days during the third phase.

  • The intersection project is estimated to cost $4,950,000 and will be paid for by Federal Highway Administration and local funds.
  • Construction is anticipated to begin in spring 2028 and be complete by fall 2029.
  • There were 27 crashes at the intersection from 2022 to 2024, according to the most recent Stark County Area Transportation Study report.

The players

Stark County Engineer's Office

The county agency overseeing the roundabout project, which says it will improve safety and reduce congestion while limiting impacts to the surrounding area and properties.

Jeremy Yoder

A Lake Township Trustee who is hopeful the roundabout will help with traffic conditions, though he acknowledges some community members remain concerned about impacts to the historic 'Greentown Square' area.

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What they’re saying

“Trying to go east on State Street around 5 p.m. or the other direction going west in the morning, you've got to wait four or five light cycles sometimes to get through there. I think it'll be helpful for those traffic conditions.”

— Jeremy Yoder, Lake Township Trustee (cantonrep.com)

“I know people are very passionate about maintaining the historical part of 'Greentown Square'. Hopefully they are able to do that as well to some capacity.”

— Jeremy Yoder, Lake Township Trustee (cantonrep.com)

What’s next

The Stark County Engineer's Office held a public open house on August 14 to review plans for the intersection and get feedback from community members. A total of 61 comments were received, with some opposing and some supporting the proposed project.

The takeaway

This project highlights the ongoing tension between the need to improve traffic safety and congestion, and the desire to preserve the historic character of a community. The Stark County Engineer's Office will need to carefully balance these competing priorities as it moves forward with the Greentown roundabout construction.