Politics & Government

West Market GetGo is A No Go

Planning Commission turned down the preliminary site plan at Thursday's meeting.

Giant Eagle officials came to Fairlawn's Planning Commission meeting with a GetGo site plan that met all of the city's requirements, but was still voted down. The meeting took place Thursday night.

The $2.2 million gas station was Giant Eagle wanted to build at the corner of West Market Street and Trunko Road on the land of the former Ahern's Florist.

because there were several concerns about the safety of motorists entering and exiting the station, as well as motorists passing through the busy intersection.

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Giant Eagle attorney Bruce Rinker came back to commission with an improved site plan that addressed the concerns of the commission and city officials. It included a right-turn only entrance from West Market, and the only exit was onto Trunko. The building was pushed back farther on the property to include more green space. Trunko would be widened to include a left and right turn lane. There would also be police enforceable street signs if anyone were to try and turn left out of the station onto West Market, said City Engineer Chris Randles.

Randles said all city officials were pleased with the new design, but commission members Julie Sipka and Scott Rainey were not.

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"The traffic is overwhelming at that intersection," Sipka said, and Rainey agreed.

"The traffic is a safety issue for motorists and pedestrians," Rainey said. "The city has had a history of supporting Giant Eagle projects, but this would be a cluster to the detriment of the businesses around it."

Rainey said several businesses have spoken out against the GetGo, including next door's Double Tree Hotel. However, Double Tree officials were willing to work with GetGo to minimize noise and other problems that might affect their guests.

Mayor William Roth was visibly upset by the no vote, but did not wish to comment. City Law Director Edward Riegler said Giant Eagle could come back to planning with another site plan, but it can't be for another six months to a year and the plan has to be different.


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