Morning Briefing | Major gas station projects

There have been a lot of gas stations popping up around Southwest Ohio, with more in the works for this year.

In today’s Morning Briefing, we give you an update on two gas station stories we are continuing to follow, the Sheetz in Centerville and the Buc-ee’s in Huber Heights.

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The newsletter should take about 2 minutes, 45 seconds to read.

Sheetz in Centerville

                        

A Montgomery County Common Pleas Court recently reversed Centerville City Council’s decision to deny Sheetz the ability to construct a gas station and convenience store at the current site of an Elsa’s Restaurant on Far Hills Avenue.

• Who originally approved the Sheetz project? The Centerville Planning Commission approved plans for the 6,139-square-foot gas station and convenience store.

• Opposition: The city of Centerville, Epiphany Lutheran Church, Bethany Village retirement community and others have opposed it.

• Why they opposed it: The city believes Sheetz’ proposed 24/7 operation is inconsistent with the use and character of the surrounding properties.

• What the court said: The court ruling said city council’s reversal of a building plan originally approved by Centerville Planning Commission is “unconstitutional, illegal, arbitrary, capricious, unreasonable, and/or unsupported by the preponderance of substantial, reliable, and probative evidence.”

• What happens next? Centerville Mayor Brooks Compton said Centerville City Council is “extremely disappointed” in the court’s decision and will meet soon with its legal counsel to evaluate next steps.

• More gas stations: Here’s a look at some of the fueling centers and convenient stores planned for this region

What’s up with Buc-ee’s?

                        

Buc-ee’s locations are so big they’re considered tourist attractions. The Huber Heights store will be a first in Ohio. Here is a recap of some of our recent reporting.

• About the project: Buc-ee’s plans call for a 74,000-square-foot store with 120 gas pumps and more than 700 parking spaces on a nearly 53-acre site.

• Where?On Ohio 235 just north of I-70 in the northeast quadrant of Huber Heights, near CenterPoint 70 Boulevard.

• Breaking ground: A crowd of about 100 people gathered at the site of the future Buc-ee’s store last August to celebrate the groundbreaking.

• Lawsuit delayed construction: Clark County and Huber Heights have reached an agreement on the provision of water and sewer services, a precursor to dismissal of a lawsuit that contributed to the delay of Buc-ee’s construction.

• What they are saying: “I’ve heard people call Buc-ee’s ‘just another gas station,’ (but that’s) like calling the USS Gerald Ford a paddleboat,” Huber Heights Mayor Jeff Gore said.

• Why people love it: Here are 7 things people love about Buc-ee’s.

• Opening date: Huber Heights officials are “hopeful” that the store will be open by late 2025.