Sheetz Inc. filed suit yesterday against Kent’s Board of Zoning Appeals and the city in the Portage County Court of Common Pleas, asking the court to review the board’s decision last week concerning the construction of a new Sheetz station in Kent, according to Portage County court records.

The Board of Zoning Appeals granted Sheetz three of four requested building variances for the site at the northwest corner of North Mantua Street and Fairchild Avenue. The Kent Planning Commission approved the site design in September.

The Board allowed the corporation to construct a higher barrier around the property and signs on its lawn and convenience store, but it did not allow the Pennsylvania-based Sheetz to build closer to residential properties.

The decision followed a series of meetings and public debate spanning about two months.

The 4,997-square-foot gas station and convenience store will replace an auto shop and some apartments, as well as the 102-year-old building housing the Open Space Art Gallery.

– Daily Kent Stater staff report