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Board approves rezoning for gas‑station expansion at US 127/US 40 amid resident drainage and truck‑traffic concerns
Summary
The commission approved rezoning about 5.124 acres at US 127 and US 40 to Highway Service to allow a consolidated filling station with pumps and a canopy; residents raised concerns about drainage, past soil contamination and potential semi traffic, and staff noted driveway approval is subject to ODOT review.
The Preble County Rural Zoning Commission voted 4–0 to approve Case 1639, allowing Burkhardt Engineering and 204 East Street, LLC to reclassify roughly 5.124 acres from Planned Highway Service and Agricultural to Highway Service at the northeast corner of US 127 and US 40 in Monroe Township. Agent Steve Fox said the owner plans to consolidate three parcels, remove several dwellings and install a modest canopy and pumps north of the existing station.
Several neighbors spoke in public comment, pressing staff and the applicant on drainage, truck traffic and historical contamination related to prior tank removal. Lon Swihart said, “Living there for 60 of my 70 years, I know all of that is basically a swamp. I have seen it under a foot of water for a week at times,” and asked whether pavement would worsen drainage onto his land. Barry Trump raised the proximity to the intersection and questioned the potential for semi‑truck use and prior polluted fill placed when tanks were removed.
Steve Fox and Brad Kramer responded that the planned use is for automobile and passenger fueling; Fox said it was “not to my knowledge” that truck service would change and Kramer noted that the Planning Commission discussed automobile fueling, not diesel truck service. Kramer also reminded the audience that driveway approvals and detailed traffic design are decided by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT). The board approved the rezoning and will forward findings to the County Commissioners for an April 1 hearing at 9:30 a.m.
