Reynoldsburg Sheetz on hold: Developer withdraws rezoning request for mobile-home park
Plans for a Sheetz at East Main Street and Taylor Road have been halted after the developer withdrew an application to rezone 17 acres, which included the Shepard's Mobile Home Court.
Residents of the mobile-home park who had said they were kept in the dark about plans to sell the property were informed earlier this month – after details of the proposal were made public – that they had 180 days to leave.
“As of right now, based on the information we have, that 180-day notice is still active,” Reynoldsburg Mayor Joe Begeny said told ThisWeek on Dec. 14. “The only person who has a say otherwise is the property owner or their attorney.”
ThisWeek has tried multiple times but has been unable to reach property owner John A. Shepard of Thornville or his attorney.
The request to rezone the property at 8555 East Main St. from an innovation district to a community commercial district – which would permit construction of the Sheetz gas station – was up for final approval at a Nov. 22 City Council meeting. However, council decided to table the request after hearing multiple residents express concerns about finding a new place to live on such short notice.
Skilken Gold Real Estate Development announced its decision to abandon its rezoning request Dec. 10.
“We appreciate the concerns of the community and residents being brought to our attention,” the Columbus-based firm that works with Sheetz said in an emailed statement.
“At Skilken Gold, our goal is always first and foremost to build up communities. … We look forward to continuing to work with the seller, the city and the community to create a plan for this property that is positive for all involved.”
When asked if Skilken Gold remains in contract to purchase the land from Shepard, Julie Daubenmire from Approach Marketing in Worthington – the developer’s “public relations partner” – said, “Skilken Gold is working with the current property owner and the city of Reynoldsburg to determine next steps in regard to both the zoning and purchase contract.”
More than 30 mobile homes are at the mobile-home park.
“To move a single-wide mobile home like I have … runs between $18,000 and $25,000,” park resident Sherral D’Epifanio told City Council during its Dec. 6 meeting. “If you have a double-wide, it’s $30,000 to $40,000. I don't know about you, but I don't have that kind of money. I was hoping that we could get some kind of subsidizing to help us with these moves.”
Begeny said the city’s social worker has been meeting with residents about potential options and/or assistance. He said he also spoke with state Rep. Mark Fraizer (R-Newark) on Dec. 14 about options “as far as transitional assistance.”
Sheetz, a well-known restaurant and convenience chain that has been opening locations all over central Ohio this year, opened a Columbus store near Reynoldsburg at 2700 Brice Road on Dec. 14.
In August, Reynoldsburg's planning commission unanimously approved a major site plan for a 6,000-square-foot Sheetz at East Broad Street and Cedar Cliff Road at the Shoppes at East Broad.
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This article originally appeared on ThisWeek: Reynoldsburg Sheetz on hold: Developer withdraws mobile-home park plan
