Medina Township Zoning Commission doesn't vote on Sheetz plan

MEDINA TWP. — Much to the dismay of the hundreds of residents on hand, the Medina Township Zoning Commission didn't vote on the controversial rezoning proposal to allow a Sheetz gas station to be built at state Route 3 and Interstate 71. Scores of residents opposing the Sheetz gas station spoke up Monday at Heartland Community Church. Several hundred residents crammed into the church for the zoning commission's public hearing. It will now recess until 7 p.m. July 12, also at Heartland, to continue discussion and vote. However, regardless of what the zoning commission decides, the final say will come down to the Medina Township trustees. They will have another public hearing and vote. Sheetz wants to change the zoning from limited business to general business in order to construct a gas station and convenience store on the corner of Old Weymouth Road and state Route 3. Holy Martyrs Catholic Church is 600 feet from the proposed station. It wants nothing to do with a gas station next to its place of worship. The Rev. Steve Dohner, of Holy Martyrs, said he strongly opposes to the rezoning. "There are other places to build a gas station that will not put children at risk," he said. Dohner said the church has 7,000 members and 900 children and teens who often use the grounds of its church. He said he doesn't want a 24-hour business right next to his church, especially with the volume of traffic the project will generate. The driveway in and out of the gas station will be directly across the street from Holy Martyrs' main driveway. Jim Bilek, a member of Holy Martyrs, said he's most worried about the "domino" effect. He's worried if Sheetz is allowed to build there, it will open the door for "truck stops" and "fast-food emporiums." "Then, the gateway into Historic Medina will become Route 18," Bilek said. Many of the residents want to keep it green, and Sheetz personnel said they will keep 50 percent of the 7-acre property rural. Residents have concerns of serious safety consequences, increased crime, environmental concerns, light pollution and traffic. Bruce Rinker, of the law firm representing Sheetz, said the company will invest $5 million in the facility in the northwest quadrant of state Route 3 and Old Weymouth Road. He tried to calm residents' fears about safety. "A lot of thought has gone into this," Rinker said. "This is a facility that will fit in well." He said Sheetz would hire three dozen employees, half full-time. There are almost 20,000 vehicles that drive that road per day. Residents worry even more will come because of Sheetz. Ryan Balko, project manager for Sheetz, said safety should not be a concern. Property owner Maureen Thayer-Funfgeld said she grew up in Medina Township and vows to keep the plot of land about 50 percent rural. She said she's turned down other prospective buyers over the years. "It's not all about money," she said. "We're trying to keep the property a right fit for everyone involved. We do have the right to develop the property." Thayer-Funfgeld said she is willing to donate an acre of property in the area on Route 3 and Hamilton Road to keep the area green. Not one of the residents who spoke during the 2 1/2-hour meeting were in favor of changing the zoning. "I have never run out of gas going to my office," resident Jessica Myers said. "We do not want this." Contact reporter Bob Finnan at (330) 721-4049 or rfinnan@medina-gazette.com.