Brook Park council narrowly approves Circle K conditional-use permit after heated public comment

The Brook Park City Council voted 4-3 Tuesday to grant a conditional-use permit for a Circle K gas station at 20850 Sheldon, adopting Resolution 16-2024 under emergency rules after extensive public comment and debate.

Supporters and opponents of the proposal packed the council chamber and spoke during the public-comment period and at the dais. The applicant’s agent, Thomas J. Coyne, said Circle K had agreed to multiple site conditions, including setbacks, lighting and dumpster placement, and that the company intends to invest in intersection improvements. “Circle K is not threatened to sue anyone,” Coyne said, denying assertions that his client was using litigation to force approval.

Opponents, who delivered detailed legal and procedural objections, urged the council to deny the permit. Barb Wells, who said she had retained counsel, accused the city of “circumvent[ing] established ordinance to benefit Circle K” and urged the council to “reconsider the resolutions and restore fairness to this process.”…