Sheetz zoning proposed

FINDLAY — Findlay City Planning Commission recommended zoning Thursday to accommodate plans for construction of a $150 million, 511,704-square-foot building for warehousing, production and offices for Sheetz convenience stores. Final approval of the light industrial zoning on Findlay's north edge is expected to come from City Council in June. Council at the same time is expected to annex the tract at the northwest corner of County Road 212 and Township Road 230. Annexation of the 77.8 acres would enable Sheetz to get a city tax exemption on its proposed $150 million facility. Construction of the building, northwest of the County Road 212-Township Road 230 intersection, could start this summer. The building could be operational by early 2026. The company has said it will create 750 jobs — at an average pay of $58,000 per year, excluding benefits — over five years. The State Tax Credit Authority has approved a 10-year payroll tax credit for Sheetz for the 750 jobs and $43.5 million in annual payroll it would create. Findlay City Council also has stepped up, setting aside $3 million to extend city water, sewer and storm sewer and road improvements to accommodate Sheetz. The state also will contribute $1.1 million toward the road improvements.