Changes eyed for Pittsburgh Street entrance to proposed new Greensburg Sheetz

A left-turn lane for traffic entering from the westbound lane of East Pittsburgh Street and elimination of left turns onto the street are among changes Sheetz is planning at its proposed Davis Center plaza store in Greensburg.

Project representatives this week presented land development and subdivision plans for the proposed store that have received the city planning commission’s endorsement and are to be considered for approval by city council next week.

The new Sheetz isn’t slated to open until next year, provided required approvals are obtained.

Project attorney Ryan Wotus said Sheetz intends to consolidate two side-by-side entrances from Pittsburgh Street, that are separated by a landscaped traffic island, into a single entrance that would continue to serve the Shop ’n Save supermarket to the west as well as the new store and a smaller version of the multi-tenant Davis Center building.

That would address a concern voiced by Councilman Randy Finfrock about the current traffic pattern at the plaza.

“People who leave there now and want to make a left onto Pittsburgh Street, that’s a tough left,” he said.

He said: “I’m not crazy about it if people try heading west on Pittsburgh and making a left turn, if they want to try their luck,” at the existing access point, which lacks a signal.

Wotus said motorists who want to head west on Pittsburgh from the Sheetz would continue to be able to drive through the supermarket parking lot to turn at a traffic signal.

An entrance and exit also will be maintained at the rear and east end of the plaza — onto Humphrey Road, which connects with Pittsburgh Street at another traffic signal.

A new, 100-foot left-turn lane would better accommodate westbound motorists who want to enter the Sheetz property from Pittsburgh Street, project planners said.

Currently, Finfrock said, “if they’re heading westbound on Pittsburgh, coming into town, and they’re making a left into the place and not going all the way to the light, that also backs up traffic.”

“There are four different ways on the property that you can get to the Sheetz, or get through the Sheetz, if you’re seeking to go to another establishment,” Wotus said.

For improved pedestrian access, he said, a sidewalk will be extended along the entranceway from Pittsburgh Street.

The store is expected to employ between 30 and 35 people in a mix of full-time and part-time positions, Wotus said. He said no licensing is in place at this point to allow sales of alcoholic beverages.

Demolition first

Wotus said the front portion of the Davis Center building would be demolished to make way for the Sheetz development. Plans are to place a drive-thru window on the east facade of the new 6,100-square-foot convenience store, which would be surrounded by parking on its remaining sides.

The site plan, prepared by Civil and Environmental Consultants, shows 24 fuel pumps under a canopy to the west of the convenience store. Access would be maintained through the property to the adjacent AAMCO car care garage along bordering Humphrey Road (Route 130).

In June, the city zoning hearing board granted Sheetz variances from normal landscaping, building and signage requirements for the proposed store. Sheetz plans to add trees and landscaping on the lot, which is fully paved.

SeaBase will stay

The former Craftique shop is among tenants that have moved from the Davis Center building.

Another tenant, SeaBase Family Fun Center, has indicated in online posts that it is “definitely not closing” and expects to occupy “a newly renovated space” at the site, adding, “Any downtime we may have should be minimal. … We’ve never been more excited for the future of SeaBase.”

While plans are underway for the new Sheetz on Pittsburgh Street, the Altoona-based convenience chain closed its existing Greensburg store Sunday at Route 119 and Harvey Avenue (Route 819).

Sheetz has said the store is undergoing a major renovation including updated fuel pumps, self-service kiosks inside the store and expanded seating. That store is expected to reopen in April.