New Parking Lot in Washington Square? Planning Commission Could Give OK Tonight

The North Canton Planning Commission tonight will talk about the addition of a parking lot to the Washington Square area — the same spot that was proposed as a GetGo gas station site in July 2011.

The thought of a GetGo gas station didn't sit well with Washington Square residents as dozens attended the public meetings and voiced their opinions against it.

Planning Commission Chairman Dennis Flechtner said there's no telling if the proposed parking lot will be received with similar opposition from residents.

"I'll tell you when I get there," Flechtner said. "I have no idea."

The commission voted 3-2 in September to not allow Giant Eagle to build the GetGo station at Washington Square. The vote came after hearing residents' opinions, such as having the gas station so close to a residential area would decrease property values.

Flechtner said he plans to hear from a representative from McKinley Development Leasing Company Ltd. about the site plan review and learn the specifics of the parking lot, including exactly how big it is and which businesses it will serve.

Right now, Flechtner said it's likely the lot will serve customers of the Winking Lizard restaurant that is on its way to the lot beside Handel's.

Also on the agenda for tonight's meeting is a conditional use application and site plan review from the Main Street Grille for additions that would accommodate extra outdoor seating, Flechtner said.

You can see the full agenda in the PDFs section of this update.

Resident discussion is welcome at North Canton Planning Commission meetings, which occur at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers on the third Wednesday of each month.