Sheetz development on Monroe moves forward despite neighborhood opposition
Posted By: Toledo Blade on June 17, 2026. For more information, please click here to read the source article.
The Toledo Zoning and Planning Committee voted to recommend approval of a special-use permit for a Sheetz gas station at Monroe Street and Nantuckett Drive. The proposal would allow Sheetz to operate at at 5305 and 5321 Monroe St. and 4700 Nantuckett Dr.
During Wednesday’s committee meeting, residents voiced concerns about increased traffic, pedestrian safety, and the impact of a large convenience store on the neighborhood. Jeff Mason argued that the project would not create employment opportunities and rather compete with existing businesses.
“They are trying to build as many as they can, and it’s not beneficial for the city of Toledo,” he said. “This does not create more jobs, it simply dilutes those who already exist.”
Alex Siwicki, a Sheetz representative, pointed to the potential economic benefits for the area.
“Every single store in northwest Ohio contributes $1.2 million in wages annually,” he said. “We will create 30 to 35 jobs in this location.”
Mr. Siwicki countered concerns about increased crime rates, saying, “Sheetz doesn’t attract crime. We often deter it.”
Another resident, Cheryl Bath, said drivers already use neighborhood streets when there is traffic.
“When there’s any sort of traffic down Sylvania Avenue, people find our street and use it for their daily commute,” she said.
Resident Amber Corder said the neighborhood streets were not designed for additional traffic.
“Our streets are not built for more traffic than they already have.”
Mrs. Bath expressed concerns about a gas station worsening traffic and affecting the community.
“We have a quiet neighborhood,” she said. “It’s a community with children, dogs, and people walking all the time.”
Mr. Siwicki addressed concerns about increased traffic.
“Sheetz is a traffic capturer, not generator,” he said. “Increases in traffic in the area are not expected to happen.”
Based on traffic studies, Gary Stookey, an engineer with the city’s Division of Traffic Management, said the proposed gas station would not negatively affect traffic operations at nearby intersections or along Nantuckett.
Andrew Grombache, cofounder of Riverhills Holdings Inc., which is leasing the site to Sheetz, said the proposal meets the city’s development standards.
“In 2022, council passed an ordinance for convenience stores and gas stations to abide by certain rules and regulations,” he said. “We meet all of the prerequisites.”
Councilman Sam Melden expressed his concern for pedestrian safety but acknowledged the positive economic benefits of the development.
“The net benefit to the city of Toledo, in my opinion, is clear,” he said.
The committee voted to recommend approval of the special-use permit, amending and removing a condition that would have restricted overnight operating hours.
The proposal is scheduled for consideration by Toledo City Council on Tuesday.
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