Cleveland Heights Council Rejects Re-zoning Bid for Gas Station

The Vandemar neighborhood on Monday rejected a rezoning petition from Circle K to build a gas station and convenience store.

Following a public hearing on March 3, Monday's vote against the petition was a unanimous 6-0. Circle K had been negotiating with two residents. They wanted to redevelop their property next to the vacant Center Mayfield Theater at the end of Vandemar Street.

"It's the best decision, we believe, based on our zoning code," Mayor Cheryl Stephens said. Stephens will now be tasked with sending the developers and Circle K a letter declining the action.

Vice Mayor Jason Stein felt the petition was questionable.

"At the end of the day," he said, "it was just a gas station."

The council's decision is "not appealable," says City Law Director Jim Juliano. Circle K and the developers could proceed on property already zoned for commercial activity in the future.