Residents — about 40 of whom attended Thursday’s vote, some wearing “No New Gas Stations” signs — expressed safety and environmental concerns as well as the lowering of property values if the gas station was located there.
The proposed gas station would have created 20 to 30 full- and part-time jobs and would have eventually become a 24-hour operation.
The commission has six members. Four votes were required for the motion to pass and those who voted against the measure were required to give a reason for their “no” vote.
Commission member Thomas Volpe said the village did not need a third gas station and that Casey’s would be disruptive to the neighborhood.
Commission member Bob Rogers cited safety concerns in his “no” vote, and Commission member Jonathan McEldowney, who is also a Village Council member, cited public health concerns as his reason in voting “no.”
Village Manager Julie Duffy said Casey’s could re-apply for the conditional use permit after addressing the concerns of the planning commission.
There can be no local appeal to the planning commission’s action; however, state law gives the option for Casey’s to take the matter to Warren County Common Pleas Court, Duffy said.
After the meeting, Casey’s officials declined to comment on the decision or any future plans on the project.
“I’m very pleased that the planning commission considered the conditional use requirements and did not vote in favor of Casey’s conditional use tonight,” said Chuck Wiggins, a Lomar Drive resident and an organizer of Concerned Citizens of Carlisle who opposed the request.
Another resident, Lucy Boyer said, “I’m glad it went our way. I’m very thankful.”
“I hope they don’t apply again for the safety and tranquility in the center of our village,” said resident Margot Baker. “We don’t need another gas station, especially one with 10-bays and eventually open 24 hours in a residential area of the village.”
Robert Hurt, planning commission chairman, said Casey’s has the option to re-apply for the conditional use permit or look at other properties in the village.
“No matter what goes in that property, the other property owners won’t be happy with whatever goes in there,” he said.
Volpe later asked if the village might consider donating land in the Carlisle Business Park as an enticement for Casey’s to build there.
Duffy said that it would not have been ethical for the village to make such an offer until this matter was resolved and because Casey’s was already in property negotiations.
However, Duffy said on Friday morning that she has been approached by other property owners who would be interested in working with Casey’s in locating in Carlisle.
Casey’s General Stores expanded into Ohio in late 2016 and operates in 15 states. The company has recently built similar facilities in New Lebanon, Clayton and Huber Heights.
About the Author
