‘The right decision;’ Centerville council votes to reverse decision to build Sheetz gas station

CENTERVILLE — The City of Centerville will not be getting a Sheetz convenience store and gas station after all.

>> Previous Coverage: City planning commission approves plans to build Sheetz in Centerville

Centerville City Council voted unanimously Monday night to reverse the decision made by the Centerville Planning Commission over the summer when it approved a plan for construction, a spokesperson for the city confirmed with News Center 7.

In August, city council members approved a plan to build a Sheetz convenience store along Far Hills Avenue where Elsa’s is located.

The reversal comes after opposition from Epiphany Lutheran Church and retirement community Bethany Village.

>> Previous Coverage: ‘It raises significant questions;’ Centerville Church opposes proposed Sheetz development

News Center 7 previously reported Epiphany Lutheran Church, also located on Far Hills Avenue, filed an appeal with the city against the Sheetz development next door.

According to a statement from a church spokesperson, the Sheetz development is immediately adjacent to Epiphany’s main campus.

They expressed concern over safety issues that may arise due to the 24-hour gas station, convenience store, and restaurant.

The church was concerned that the gas station would lead to increased crime in the area and that there would be alcohol and CBD sales right next door from the preschool housed on campus.

A Sheetz-funded traffic study estimated 2,400 vehicles per day at the proposed site.

Bethany Lutheran Village, a retirement community with over 700 residents, also previously expressed their concerns with a Sheetz development across the street.

On Monday night, the retirement community made a statement on social media.

“City Council made the right decision today. The residents of this neighborhood will be overjoyed to know their voices were heard, and that the City stood by its mission of thoughtful governance,” the post said. “The proposed Sheetz development would not have served in the best interest of this community and the more than 700 Centerville community members who call Bethany Village home. We are pleased that Council saw fit to recognize the concerns of the people who live in this neighborhood and took a stand for the future of this community.”

News Center 7 is working to learn what’s next for the property. We will continue updating this story.

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