GetGo applies for Boardman location


By Kalea Hall

khall@vindy.com

BOARDMAN

Planning for a new look at a busy corner of Boardman has begun.

Pittsburgh-based GetGo from Giant Eagle recently submitted an application to the Boardman Township Zoning Department for a restaurant, convenience store and GetGo gas station at the corners of U.S. Route 224, California Avenue and Southern Boulevard.

“Boardman is very excited,” said Sarah Gartland, zoning inspector.

The township requires a conditional-use permit to operate a fueling station. The township board of zoning appeals will have a public hearing at 7 tonight at the township government center to consider GetGo’s permit.

“We are excited for the potential opportunity to bring a new GetGo food, fuel and convenience experience to Boardman-area customers along Route 224 near Southern Boulevard,” Giant Eagle said in a statement. “We are actively working with local officials as we work through the permitting process, but currently have nothing to confirm regarding timing.”

The plans on approximately 2 acres include the demolition of five buildings, some occupied and some vacant, Gartland said. Some of the businesses affected by this include a phone-repair company and an optometrist.

Eleftherios Hazimihalis of KOS Property Group LLC of Boardman, which owns the property, did not wish to comment. A representative of Kutlick Realty could not be reached.

At this point, Gartland said she doesn’t have any concerns and believes the GetGo there will improve the look of the area and the traffic flow. The landscape designs submitted to the township look “sharp,” she said.

“Boardman Township is happy to help” GetGo, Gartland said.

Township Administrator Jason Loree thinks travelers will “capitalize on convenience” at the GetGo, and having a business acquire the entire corner will be a positive for the township. As for traffic volume, Loree said he doesn’t believe “you can make the area any busier than it is now.”

In the future, he said the Ohio Department of Transportation will study the traffic to make sure traffic flows as it should.

“That corner has not done well because it has been so parceled out,” he said. “I know Giant Eagle has really taken interest and they will do it right.”

Giant Eagle operates 190 stand-alone and pad-site GetGo locations, according to its website.

GetGo has two locations in the township: 6911 South Ave. and 480 Boardman-Canfield Road.