New gas station may be on Griswold

Elyria may be seeing an upgrade to an abandoned property on Griswold Road, with plans for new owners and a gas station.

The space located at 445 Griswold Road was supposed to be a new Walmart some years ago. However, it was recently approved to be rezoned for a future gas station.

During a virtual Planning Commission meeting, members approved the rezoning for the potential development.

The property includes that of the old Maplewood Elementary School. Walmart bought the property in 2006 with the intention to build a superstore to replace its store across West River Road.

However, the chain built a store in Lorain and closed the Midway Crossings store.

The company has a store at Chestnut Commons in Elyria.

Bob Graham, president of Logos Realty Co., said his company has a potential buyer for the property. He said with the high traffic of Griswold Road and it being four lanes, the potential buyer, who’s identity and company were not available, wants to open a gas station.

“It’s a busy road, and we have a request for a gas station there,” Graham said.

Mayor Frank Whitfield said he and Safety Service Director Dawn Calvert have met with Graham and potential investors for the whole corner across from Black River Career Prep.

He said a gas station would be key to additional development plans for the area.

“It’s a two-part project, but the only way this project can move forward is to rezone,” Whitfield said.

Commission member Chad Schneider recalled a controversy from the past of whether a light should go in at that intersection, but city Engineer John Schneider said that with the way traffic is now, he doesn’t see an issue and no light signal will be required at this time.

“I’m just happy to hear someone may be taking this corner, just because it’s kind of an eyesore currently,” Chad Schneider said. “It’s sat empty for so long with that old school and everything around it, so I’m happy to hear there’s some future development there.”