Sheets proposes 6,200 sq ft store, fueling canopy at former Fresh's site; planning commission holds recommendation

Sheets representatives presented Monday a redevelopment plan for the former Fresh's site at 11990 Chase Plaza Drive that would demolish existing structures and build a roughly 6,200-square-foot convenience store with a fueling canopy and made-to-order kitchen.

Rob Sween of McBride Clarion introduced the concept; Drew Richen, described as Sheets' entitlement manager, said the proposal includes an 18-foot canopy with eight double-sided dispensers (16 fueling positions total), approximately 51 parking spaces, a pedestrian promenade, indoor and outdoor seating, and landscaping with roughly 35 trees and 220 shrubs.

Why it matters: The site has sat vacant, and presenters said the redevelopment would return the property to taxable use, create about 30 jobs and provide retail and fueling options both for residents and for traffic from nearby I-275. The team also proposed a master sign plan that includes a corner ground sign and a like-for-like replacement of a 75-foot pylon sign.

Planning status and city review: Community Development Director Chris Anderson said planning commission reviewers considered the plan but postponed formal recommendations on the development, the conditional use for the fueling station, a variance for buffer width and the master sign plan; the planning commission will take further action at an upcoming meeting and council is scheduled for ordinance readings on July 6 and a final vote on July 20.

Concerns raised by residents included the proximity of similar food and fuel businesses (Kroger, UDF and other restaurants) and whether clustering will harm longstanding local businesses. Presenters and staff said clustering of fuel and quick-serve retailers is common, can provide consumer choice and may help activate the corridor; Sheets representatives noted most stores are corporate-owned (no franchises), operate 24/7, and have on-site management and corporate standards they say limit common operational issues.

Operational details and community benefits: Sheets said stores operate 24/7 with made-to-order kitchens, may participate in local philanthropic programs (for example, "Sheets for Kids" and Special Olympics were cited as national initiatives), and use a centralized fuel-purchasing approach that can influence local pump pricing. Representatives said there are currently no EV chargers planned but the company will share the site opportunity with third-party EV providers if appropriate.

What remains unresolved: The planning commission postponement means variance and sign-package approvals remain pending; residents also sought specifics about traffic, late-night operations and how the project would affect nearby independent businesses. The presentation left questions about third-party EV infrastructure and exact tax or incentive terms, although presenters said redevelopment would increase property tax revenue relative to the vacant parcel.

The council closed the public hearing on this item and will receive the project as an ordinance on the schedule staff presented.