Village Manager Julie Duffy said the proposed project represents a $4.4 million investment in Carlisle and could create as many as 20 to 30 jobs, with 10 to 15 being full-time jobs.
Resident Inez Burgessraised concerns about the proposed widening of Lomar Avenue and school pedestrian safety.
“I’m concerned about the little children and the noise and the traffic until midnight,” she said. “I don’t think we need another filling station … I can’t see how this will benefit Carlisle because some businesses may not survive.”
“Surely there is another place,” Burgess said. “I like our bedroom community. We don’t need another big business, and I think this will hurt everyone in Carlisle.”
Resident Andie Doller disagreed with officials about how the additional traffic would impact the village.
“The proposal submitted by Casey’s is the only one that has been submitted,” she said. “The village has not done an independent traffic study. The proposed use would not fit well with the neighborhood.”
Doller said the village’s master plan is supposed to be followed to protect resident’s property values and their health and safety. She has also mobilized residents as part of Concerned Citizens of Carlisle on social media and signs of opposition have been posted around town.
Richard Shaw, a Carlisle native and a Huber Heights city council member, told council that his city had a good working relationship with Casey’s, adding the proposed project would help to increase Carlisle’s property values.
Huber Heights recently approved a 4,300 square-foot facility with 18 pumps that is near two other gas stations and next to a middle school. He said Carlisle’s planning and zoning code is similar to Huber Heights and believes the proposal will meet the village’s criteria for a conditional use.
“I hate to see Pizza Hotline go because I worked there as a teen,” he said. “This will be a huge economic impact for Carlisle … Competition breeds excellence.”
Shaw said the proposed Casey’s could become a destination from other locations in the area if it adds public charging stations to the proposed project as well as open up other economic opportunities.
The village’s Planning Commission has the final say in the decision of whether or not to issue the permit on April 5.
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
