Medina Township trustees vote down Sheetz proposal

MEDINA TWP. — Medina Township trustees, listening to the sentiment of a passionate group of residents, voted against Sheetz's attempt to change the township's zoning to build a gas station and convenience store at the Interstate 71/state Route 3 interchange. The trustees voted 3-0 against the zoning change before more than 200 residents at Heartland Community Church. Sheetz wanted to change the zoning from limited business to general business. Trustee Mike Stopa said he wouldn't let his feelings affect his vote. "It's how the residents feel," he said. The trustees had no choice but to vote against Sheetz, township resident Joshua Eberts said sarcastically after a pastor for Holy Martyrs Church and a woman with two young children got up to speak against the zoning change. "If you don't vote for this, you'll be struck by lightning," he joked. "Clearly, this is not the will of the people (to side with Sheetz)." All the trustees wished the Sheetz contingent well in finding the right fit, hopefully elsewhere in the township. "I have nothing against Sheetz," Trustee Chuck Johnson said. "I have a Sheetz card." Cleveland attorney Bruce Rinker, who represented the Altoona, Pennsylvania, company, said it was difficult to counter the residents' "unfounded fear" of more crime, traffic and environmental issues. "We believe we were the best possible use for that property," he said. The trustees suggested a possible location on state Route 18 for Sheetz to consider. "(Sheetz puts in a) lot of effort to locate a site," Rinker said. He said the residents' "voice was heard loud and clear." Rinker said it's difficult for the trustees to vote against public opinion when they are your "neighbors, friends and constituents." The residents, especially those who lived near Old Weymouth Road, wanted to keep the area's pastoral setting. "They liked the fact it was green," Rinker said. Sheetz owns more than 600 stores in six states, including gas stations in Granger Township and Brunswick. The Medina Township Zoning Commission voted to deny the change in zoning 4-1 during a public hearing in July. The proximity of the potential 24/7 gas station to Holy Martyrs was a key factor in Sheetz's disapproval. There are 900 children in the church's congregation and almost 7,000 parishioners. The Rev. Steve Dohner said the traffic congestion, noise and location of the gas station's driveway would be in the very least "an inconvenience, and possibly worse." Dohner said there might be some good uses for that land, but for a gas station, it would be an "awful location." Contact reporter Bob Finnan at (330) 721-4049 or rfinnan@medina-gazette.com.