GetGo Gas Station Gets Approved

It looks is coming to the southwest corner of Detroit Avenue and Bunts Road.

But not everyone is happy about it.

Dozens of residents attended the city’s architectural board meeting Thursday evening, as the board OK’d Giant Eagle’s plan to build a new GetGo gas station at the property it once owned. 

But the proposal that was early last month, looks a bit different than the plan that was OK’d on Thursday.

Some of the neighbors took issue with the possibility of an environmental impact — and their property values — while others were concerned with noise, fumes and loitering.

“We don’t think this was a good idea, pardon the pun, from the get-go,” said Dennis Pehotsky, who lives one home to the south of the proposed project.

Other chimed in.

“Giant Eagle is not being a good neighbor,” said , who lives on Bunts Road. “We’re good neighbors to each other, we look out for each other. (Giant Eagle) is not looking out for us.”

Last month, the city encouraged the Pittsburgh-grocer to make some alterations to its plans, including changes to the landscaping and the addition of green space.

Pat Avolio, the director of real estate development for , said that he doesn’t expect an increase in traffic — even though some residents disputed that.

“Gas stations are typically not destinations,” he said, trying to answer concerns from neighboring residents. “(Motorists) are already on the road.”

As part of Thursday’s approval, the board also required Giant Eagle to make other changes including planting a few deciduous trees to block the neighbors’ view of the property.

The new drawing also boasts brick piers with iron fencing and landscaping tucked inside.

“I really appreciate (Giant Eagle) working with us on this project and they way it’s developed,” said board member Michael Fleenor. “Initially, I wasn’t very excited about having a gas station here but I am getting really excited about it.” 

at the busy intersection of Bunts Road and Detroit Avenue highlight a 5,600-square-foot brick building, with eight fueling stations (16 pumps).

The GetGo station — unlike the company’s typical gas station — will offer some grocery items, prepared foods, a patio and a Wi-Fi café.

The site will also feature bio-retention landscaping, helping to alleviate the city’s storm water management issues, a move lauded by city officials.

Giant Eagle sold its property across the street at 14013 Detroit Avenue to Urban Active in 2007. However, plans at the site to build a workout facility never came to fruition.

The building has been vacant since 2007, when Giant Eagle finished its move across the street to 14100 Detroit Avenue.

Officials said demolition of the existing vacant structure — a grocery store that’s gone by a few names in its history — could begin by June. Construction could be completed by the holidays.