BROADVIEW HEIGHTS, Ohio – A plan by Sheetz to build a gas station, convenience store and restaurant at the northeast corner of Broadview and East Wallings roads was voted down last week by the Planning Commission.
The commission’s rejection of the plan on Feb. 26 came about two weeks after residents living near Broadview-Wallings expressed opposition to a Sheetz in their neighborhood.
Diane Calta, a Cleveland attorney representing Sheetz in this matter, didn’t return calls Monday and Tuesday asking whether they would appeal the commission’s decision in court.
A Sheetz representative did respond to an email late Tuesday but didn’t say whether a court action would be filed.
“We are extremely disappointed by this denial and are still eager to be part of this municipality with the goal of being a great employer and a good neighbor,” Nick Ruffner, Sheetz spokesman, said.
The Altoona, Pa.-based Sheetz had proposed demolishing a former Rite Aid building to make room for the new gas station-store-restaurant, which would have included a drive-thru.
The new Sheetz would have also taken up two parcels -- now occupied by Frank’s Coach and Carriage, an automobile repair shop -- directly north of the Rite Aid building. Sheetz would have torn down the Frank’s building.
On Feb. 10, members of City Council’s Growth, Planning and Zoning Committee, along with residents attending the meeting, advised Sheetz to find another location for the gas station-store-restaurant.
They said it was too close to homes and small local businesses that might suffer from Sheetz’s overwhelming presence.
Committee member Tom Pavlica said he had received emails and phone calls from several residents living near Broadview-East Wallings who are against the proposal.
They are concerned about light and noise pollution coming from the site.
Committee Chairman Joe Price said he travels through the Broadview-Wallings intersection daily and it’s already congested. The Sheetz would draw even more traffic.
Price and Councilman Glenn Goodwin said Sheetz should consider Ohio 82 in Broadview Heights as a location.
Owen Wolf, real estate site selector for Sheetz, said his company looked at Ohio 82 for more than 10 years but was unable to find land available in the proper zoning district there.
At the Feb. 10 committee meeting, 15 residents spoke out against the Sheetz plan, echoing the concerns of committee members.
This story has been updated to include a comment from a Sheetz representative.