Developer gets extension on proposed Wooster project
A proposed construction project on the corner of Burbank and Smithville-Western roads in Wooster’s north end that would revolve around Menards and Meijer may or may not come to fruition soon.
On May 22, 2019, developer Robert Papotto, a senior site development engineer at CESO Inc. of Akron, received preliminary development approval from the Wooster planning commission for a large commercial development incorporating two large retailer stores, an automobile fueling station and out lots.
With the original plan set to expire, a 12-month extension will give the development company the ability to move forward with the project through 2021. The developer secured the extension from the planning commission to further negotiate construction schedules and lease agreements for the overall development.
The project would include anchor tenants in Meijer, a supercenter chain with its corporate headquarters in Michigan, and Menards, a chain of home-improvement stores headquartered in Wisconsin. There also would be a number of smaller outlets constructed in between the two large anchors, and the 53-acre development, located on the northeast quadrant of the intersection, also would include a Meijer gas station toward the front of the site.
Approved plans indicated a full access point on Smithville-Western Road, a right-in/right-out access point on Burbank Road and two full access points on Burbank Road, one of which may be signalized. Plans also incorporated three stormwater-management areas on the east side of the site.
The site was originally in the county and in the past 10 years was annexed into the city for future development opportunities along state Route 83. As part of the site approval, a rezoning of the property from Agriculture to C-3 (Commercial) was realized in spring 2019.
