Sheetz won’t build in shopping center
Plans to build a Sheetz gas station, convenience store and restaurant in a popular Sharon Township shopping center have been suspended following backlash from residents about its 24hour operation and proximity to a water supply.
The Altoona, Pennsylvania-based company has been planning to move into several Columbus area locations, but faced protesters from nearby Worthington Hills and Mount Air who were concerned about truck traffic along Route 315 from Interstate 270 north into Delaware County and plans to build adjacent to a water plant that serves those communities.
“While Sheetz adheres to the highest environmental standards and safety regulations, after valued consultation with Aqua America, we have determined that the distance between the planned fuel tanks and Aqua America’s water wells poses some challenges to developing a store location,” Travis Sheetz, president and COO of Sheetz, said in a written statement.
The company, founded in 1952, said it adheres to family values and “being a good neighbor and connected to the communities we serve.”
The decision was praised by community leaders.
“I’m very happy to hear this,” said Laura Kunze, a Sharon Township trustee. “I’m glad they’re doing the right thing. They’re a family-owned business with family values, and I feel like they’re applying them here.”
Earlier this month, residents protested with signs outside the Olentangy Valley Shopping Centre, and more than 200 people attended a Franklin County Commissioners session to express concerns about how the project could affect traffic, water quality and other issues.
Residents asked commissioners for more time to review the issue based on "health, safety and welfare” issues. Commissioners voted to table a decision on changes to the nearby Hills Market sign and directed the county’s economic development and planning office to arrange a future community meeting.
The area was rezoned in early 2018 to allow Continental Hills LLC to move forward with redevelopment, including the addition of a senior living complex, which is seeking residents. The zoning allows for the addition of a gas station, county planners have said.
A commissioners hearing that had been scheduled for Thursday night to hear from residents was canceled earlier in the day.
Sheetz has about 40 Ohio locations, mostly in the north and northeastern parts of the state, and is in several states including Pennsylvania, according to its website. It would compete with various local businesses and two existing gas stations already in the center, according to a “Stop Sheetz” website that is seeking petition signatures opposing it.
“The small business owners that will be impacted by the duplicative services offered by Sheetz (gas, made-toorder food, convenience grocery) are our friends, neighbors and have generously donated to our community for many years,” according to the website.
Sheetz opponents say that a fuel spill at the 24-hour operation could seep into the aquifer-fed Aqua Ohio water treatment plant that serves about 2,500 residents in Worthington Hills, along with Perry Township and Columbus.
Kunze said residents’ concerns are with Continental and its decision on what next is planned for the vacant site.
Residents would prefer a restaurant or offices that don’t compete with existing businesses in the shopping center.
“My hope is that they work with the community to bring in a business that adds value to the community and not unnecessary problems,” Kunze said.
“We’re going to be watching them very closely.” dnarciso@dispatch.com @Deannarciso