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Mentor commission approves Sheetz cluster at Heisley and Hendricks after hours of debate
Summary
The Mentor Planning Commission approved three conditional use permits for a Sheetz convenience store and gas station at 6010 Heisley Road — service station, drive‑through and outside dining — after extensive public comment raising traffic, safety and transparency concerns. The approvals include multiple conditions and will return for final site‑plan review.
The Mentor Planning Commission on Aug. 14 approved conditional use permits that clear the way for a 24‑hour Sheetz convenience store with 12 fuel pumps, a touch‑style drive‑through and outdoor dining at 6010 Heisley Road.
Sheetz representatives described a 6,100‑square‑foot store with six pump islands (12 pumps), 45 parking spaces, a drive‑through order point, permanent outdoor seating and enhanced security systems. Diane Calta, land development counsel for Sheetz, told the commission the company designed the site to be co‑locatable for additional carriers and to accommodate municipal equipment if needed.
The project drew lengthy public comment. Resident Jeremy Shue said the development would “bring serious and lasting impacts,” citing traffic, late‑night noise and potential crime. Multiple neighbors told the commission they felt ballot language during rezoning did not make clear a gas station was planned and urged better public notice. Proponent Gina Aliberte said the site provides local fuel options and evening jobs, calling Sheetz “an excellent employer for our Mentor youth.”
City staff and the applicant answered technical questions at the meeting. Traffic consultant Judy Bennett said the traffic study used during the rezoning review covered a virtually identical store footprint and remained valid, and the city engineer did not require a new study. Sheetz said the site will include deceleration (right‑turn) lanes, on‑site stormwater retention and double‑lined underground tanks. The police chief, according to staff, did not provide data linking gas stations in Mentor to higher crime rates.
Commissioners approved the service‑station conditional use permit (motion carried), the drive‑through component and the outside dining permit after amending one condition to clarify the treatment of temporary vs. permanent outdoor furniture. Each approval included conditions to be vetted as part of the final site‑plan and permitting process.
Actions at a glance: Service station CUP — approved (roll call: Yes 7, No 0, Abstain 0); Drive‑through CUP — approved (Yes 7, No 0, Abstain 0); Outside dining CUP — approved with amended conditions (Yes 7, No 0, Abstain 0).
Next steps: Applicants will file the final site plan and building permit materials. Lighting, final traffic geometry and landscaping must pass detailed staff review at those stages.
