Zoning change needed to clear way for GetGo gas station, store to be built in Homewood West

Pittsburgh’s Planning Commission is recommending a proposed zoning change that would clear the way for GetGo to open a gas station and convenience store in the city’s Homewood West.

A zoning change would allow the GetGo to be built on a vacant, 1.3-acre site near the corner of Frankstown and Fifth avenues that is now zoned for residential use.

The commission’s recommendation goes to City Council, which will make the final determination on the proposed zoning change.

“We have many different (GetGo) formats throughout the Pittsburgh area, but this is a totally new format for us,” said Lee May, development director with Giant Eagle and GetGo.

At nearly 6,400 square feet, the proposed building would be larger than other GetGo sites and house more fresh food options, May said.

“What we’re planning for this store here in Homewood is an even greater expanded offering for fresh produce,” he said. “We’ll have sliced deli meats, fresh meats like ground beef, chicken, etc. Of course, we’ll have multiple dairy items, a lot of those basic food items.”

There also will be hot, made-to-order food and seating for at least 30 people to eat inside the GetGo, May said. The store also is expected to have frozen food items, a bakery section and seasonal items.

“We think this will be a great service to the community,” May said. “Plus, it can be a gathering spot to meet somebody for lunch or to have a coffee and enjoy our free Wi-Fi.”

GetGo officials said they also plan to sell alcohol there.

Councilman Ricky Burgess, D-Point Breeze, who represents the neighborhood, has backed the project. Shawn Carter, his special assistant, told the Planning Commission that the proposed GetGo would better serve the community than other gas stations in the vicinity.

Not all neighbors are pleased, though.

Leonard Carter, who lives near the site of the proposed store, said he was concerned that lights at the business would be disruptive for residents and whether a gas station and convenience store would fit in with the neighborhood.

“The traffic, the noise, the trash that will accompany this business will be substantial,” he said.

Commissioners urged GetGo and Giant Eagle to work with community members as they move ahead on the proposed development.

“I know that Giant Eagle is a longtime good neighbor and will make good decisions,” Commissioner Becky Mingo said.