Overdeveloping Beavercreek will turn it into ‘Cementcreek’
Beavercreek is being overtaken by development. This saddens me as I drive home these days. For 20 years, I have enjoyed this scenic drive with woods that line U.S. 35, the trees reflecting each season. Approaching the Factory Road and U.S. 35 intersection, I reflect on how my then-young children and I admired the corn fields, wondering if they would be knee-high by the 4th of July. They eagerly looked for deer or other wildlife. This drive captures the essence of Beavercreek. This attracted me to make the southeast corner of Beavercreek our home.
This essence will disappear when the proposed development of farmland into a 24/7 RaceTrac gas station becomes a reality. I said “when” because this proposed development is a done deal. Despite residents’ efforts to stop this gas station with a petition of more than 1,400 signatures, a social media blitz, signs, news stories, consultations with environmental groups, and contacting Beavercreek City officials, Beavercreek residents/voters/ taxpayers were unable to stop this.
The gas station was approved at March’s Planning Commission meeting because the officials on this board’s hands were tied with this parcel’s existing B3 zoning. Their approval restricts tractor-trailers from refueling there. Most citizens are grateful for this, but it may cause Beavercreek City to be sued.
This is zoned B3 today because, in the late ’70s, a developer wanted to build a mall there. In response to the opposition from the residents in 1979, the trustees formed a task force of citizens to examine whether a mall at this location was for the common good.
Seeking the “common good” (considering the best interest of Beavercreek and the surrounding community) would be ideal. Having attended several Beavercreek City meetings, I noticed that Beavercreek officials neglect to consider the common good. The officials have stated that it’s not their job to do a market analysis to see if a gas station is needed at that location (with two gas stations within a mile).
Traffic issues also cannot be considered when approving a development during the zoning stage. This was frustrating because U.S. 35 and
Factory Road is a dysfunctional intersection . ...
In the Dayton Daily News article, “Mayor Encourages Residents to Make Their Voices Heard.” Beavercreek’s new mayor,
Don Adams, wrote, “Our focus has been on fostering a sense of unity, ensuring that every voice in our community is heard … One of our primary initiatives has been to enhance the quality of life for all residents.”
Mayor Adams, why is the West side of Beavercreek getting a vast new park, and we, on the East side, are getting a 24/7 gas station? Please consider sharing the wealth by developing only half of that parkland and creating another park on this open parcel to preserve our quality of life in Southeast Beavercreek.
Beavercreek City: Please consider the common good by not overdeveloping Beavercreek and turning it into “Cementcreek.” Let’s preserve the natural beauty and wonderful residential neighborhoods that are its essence.