A standing-room only crowd gathered in Kent’s city hall chambers Tuesday night for the Planning Commission’s meeting to decide if a new Sheetz was worthy of coming to a prime location downtown.

For two hours, Kent residents walked to the front of the room and complained about the proposal. They worried it would create an unsafe environment for pedestrians in the area. They didn’t want to see the demise of Open Spaces Art Gallery and the subsequent displacement of its residents. They thought the increased lighting and noise would damage downtown Kent’s cultural appeal.

But three hours later, the commission issued its verdict, granting approval for Sheetz to build on the corner of North Mantua Street and Fairchild Avenue per final approval by the Kent Board of Zoning Appeals.

Despite the public outcry, it seemed as if the commissioners had their hands tied before the discussion even began: The proposed gas station and convenience store complies with the city’s building and zoning codes.

As one Sheetz representative at the meeting pointed out, “Once the code is met, it’s an administrative function at that point.”

Fair enough, but the situation begs a larger question: How much power does the city really possess to prevent unnecessary urban development?

A Circle K gas station sits down the street from where the new Sheetz will be located. Furthermore, another Sheetz stands less than two miles away in Franklin Township across from Acme on state Route 59.

We don’t have anything against Sheetz. After all, Sheetz often offers the best gas prices and free air for our tires – and who doesn’t love being able to buy a breakfast sandwich 24 hours a day?

But building a Sheetz at the corner of North Mantua Street and Fairchild Avenue seems to contradict the city’s efforts to preserve its historic and cultural novelties. That aside, children walk through this area on their way to and from school each day. And if you’ve sat at either of the two odd intersections at that corner, it’s hard to imagine the traffic fueled by the addition of a gas station to that area.

Unfortunately, instead of the Open Spaces Art Gallery – a Kent institution – the new Sheetz will welcome drivers at the northern gateway to the city if the plan gets the green light.

Kent State appeals to students who seek small-town charm while still being able to enjoy the benefits of suburban life. We are not the University of Akron. We do not need hints of city-life greeting us at every corner.

The city of Kent is largely to thank for creating that ideal balance. We don’t want this decision to set the precedent for the city’s future plans. Clearly, Kent residents agree.

Maybe it’s time for Kent to re-evaluate some of its zoning codes to better fit with residents’ desires. Urban sprawl can stay in Stow.

The above editorial is the consensus opinion of the Daily Kent Stater editorial board.