Ashland Council Approves $300,000 Land Sale for Proposed Mickey Mart Near Industrial Park
ASHLAND, Ohio — A proposed Mickey Mart fuel station and convenience store moved forward Tuesday, Oct. 20, as Ashland City Council unanimously approved the sale of 14.13 acres of city-owned land for $300,000.
Mayor Matt Miller said the project would give employees in the city’s industrial park a nearby place to buy lunch, beverages and fuel, while also serving passing motorists and residents on the north side of town.
More than 1,000 people work in the industrial park each day, Miller told council. For employees with 30-minute lunch breaks, traffic along East Main Street and Claremont Avenue can make a trip for food difficult.
With that in mind, Miller said, the city has been looking for a business willing to serve that area.
The purchase agreement is with DC Acquisition, which Miller identified as the company associated with Mickey Mart. Plans call for a full fuel station and a larger convenience store offering food and beverages.
Miller said company representatives want the Ashland location to become one of their premier stops.
Council approved Ordinance 55-26, authorizing the transaction through the Community Improvement Corporation. Members suspended the requirement for readings on three separate days and adopted the ordinance as an emergency measure.
The agreement requires construction within three years. Miller said the company is eager to proceed and its engineers have already been communicating with city engineers, but he did not provide an opening date.
Plans include access from U.S. Route 250 and Ritchie Drive, allowing industrial park employees to reach the business without entering Route 250 traffic.
Miller said the tract’s terrain and size make it less suitable for the warehouses and manufacturing facilities typically seeking space in the industrial park.
He also shared a possibility still under discussion: an oversized version of the moose associated with Mickey Mart locations.
“There’s no guarantees,” Miller said, encouraging residents to stay tuned.
Public Hearings Planned for Alley and Right-of-Way Proposals
Council also approved four resolutions declaring its intention to vacate several alleys and an undeveloped right of way. Public hearings were announced for Dec. 2.
The resolutions begin the review process. Final action on the proposed vacations would come later, after an opportunity for supporters and opponents to be heard.
One proposal involves an undeveloped strip between the Kroc Center parking lot and properties along Edgehill Avenue.
Miller said the city has no plans to develop the strip into a street or alley. If the vacation receives final approval, half would revert to the Kroc Center and half to the adjoining residential property owners.
One council member abstained from that matter because of employment at the Kroc Center.
Other proposals involve an alley near 324 through 334 Orange Street and alley sections extending from Third Street and Church Street in the Church and West streets area.
Miller said adjacent property owners support those requests. Discussion focused on reducing cut-through traffic and addressing safety concerns around parking areas and nearby buildings.
Officials clarified that the affected alleys in that area are expected to remain available as private access drives, with the city no longer responsible for maintaining them.
Miller said the city also wants to observe traffic patterns as nearby apartment buildings become occupied before deciding whether additional traffic signals are needed.
The final proposal involves Wilson Avenue, an undeveloped right of way behind properties along Bell Avenue near Troy Road. Miller described it as a grassy strip that was named but never developed into a street.
Transit Grant Application Approved
Council unanimously authorized the city to apply for federal and state public transit funding through the Ohio Department of Transportation for state fiscal year 2028.
Miller described the resolution as an annual step in securing transit funding. The service relies on federal grants, state grants and local tax dollars.
No specific grant amount was attached to the authorization.
Mural Dedication, Halloween Events Announced
During closing comments, Miller announced a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Ashland’s community mural at Union and Second streets at noon Tuesday, Oct. 27.
The project brought together the Leadership Ashland class, the city and community donors. Benches and planters have been installed, with a donor recognition stone, flagpole and lighting also planned.
Costume Capers will follow that evening from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. along Main Street between Corner Park and Union Street.
The city’s trick-or-treat is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 29, from 5 to 7 p.m., rain or shine.
Miller also said the first official round of leaf collection would begin the following week. Residents can check the city’s website or Facebook page for a neighborhood collection map. Timing will depend partly on weather and how quickly leaves fall.
Council members praised the newly dedicated Lincoln Park and thanked the city, Rotary and donors who supported it. One member said the sound of children playing during the dedication showed the park was already serving its purpose.
No audience members addressed council before the meeting adjourned.
