Residents raise alarm over Sheetz gas station safety concerns

Concerns over environmental impacts and community safety dominated the recent government meeting, as residents voiced their apprehensions regarding a proposed development project. Key issues raised included the adequacy of a natural buffer intended to shield nearby homes from the effects of extended operation hours and lighting at the site, which is set to operate 24/7.

One resident highlighted the lack of clarity in the submitted plans, noting that they had not been reviewed by a certified landscape architect. This raises questions about the effectiveness of the proposed buffer in mitigating noise and light pollution, which could significantly affect local residents. The resident emphasized that insufficient detail on the buffer's design only exacerbates these concerns.

Additionally, the proposed detention pond on the property’s north end was criticized for its proximity to residential areas. The pond is designed to collect runoff from impervious surfaces, potentially containing harmful substances. The resident referenced studies from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicating that such ponds can reduce property values by 3 to 10%, further alarming those living nearby.

Another speaker questioned the rationale behind the Planned Unit Development (PUD) designation for the project, suggesting it might be a means to circumvent standard zoning requirements. Concerns were also raised about public health and safety, particularly regarding the number of fuel tanks proposed for the site and recent incidents at other Sheetz locations, including a shooting at a newly opened station in North Carolina.

Residents expressed fears that the 24-hour operation of the Sheetz gas station could attract criminal activity, particularly in a community where most businesses close by 10 PM. The meeting underscored a growing unease among residents about the implications of the development on their quality of life and community safety.