TOLEDO, Ohio — South Toledo resident Father Richard Notter says the pushback from his neighborhood against a proposed Sheetz construction nearby, which city council rejected on Wednesday, was significant.
“We had about 200 emails to city council objecting” to the special use permit at the intersection of Airport Highway and Bernath Parkway, Notter said.
Residents' concerns included the 24/7 operation bringing potential noise, light and traffic disruptions to the area.
Council member John Hobbs III was among the six who voted against the permit, citing the community’s overwhelming opposition.
“This particular neighborhood did not want that to take place there," Hobbs said. "Because of the outcry of the neighbors in the community, this is why I felt that we needed to listen to them."
Not all council members agreed, though, as permit narrowly failed 6-5. Theresa Morris, chair of the Zoning and Planning Committee, voted in favor of the permit, emphasizing that Sheetz had met all zoning qualifications.
“Unfortunately, Sheetz will not be in that location," Morris said. "Now, is there someplace else that might be close to that location that might be more amenable to some of the residents? That could be, too."
Residents have suggested the vacant T.G.I. Fridays opposite of where Sheetz was proposed as a possible site for the convenience store.
Meanwhile, Notter remains hopeful the original lot will remain undeveloped, though he admits it is unlikely.
Sheetz representatives did not respond to a request for comment on Wednesday.