Market Street corridor in Beaver embracing cleanup, fresh initiatives

Staff photo / Dan Pompili
The earlier Penn-Ohio truck stop shut down during the COVID-19 crisis and has since fallen into disrepair. Township trustees and various community members consensus that tearing down the structure should be their primary focus to revitalize the otherwise economically sound corridor. Surinder Cheema, the owner from New York, states he is in talks to sell the property to someone likely to construct a brand new truck stop there.

BEAVER TOWNSHIP — The state Route 7 corridor south of Boardman is a recognized area that’s not expected to change significantly, but that doesn’t mean the locals aren’t eager for enhancements.

The segment of Market Street from Western Reserve Road toward North Lima is principally distinguished by its closeness to the Ohio Turnpike entrance and exit ramps. It is primarily zoned for commercial activity, showcasing truck stops, motels, healthcare services, nursing homes, a few small independently owned stores, and one or two eateries.

Officials from the township believe the corridor could benefit from some sprucing up, though they do not anticipate a dramatic shift in its overall character and structure.

“There’s not going to be anything drastically different, honestly,” remarked Beaver Township Trustee Pamela Simmons. “The first priority for us is to get it cleaned up.”

Clean-up efforts are essential, without doubt. Though a newly opened Love’s truck stop and Speedway gas station — the latest additions to the area — have revitalized previously vacant spaces, some sections still bear vacant sign stands on rusted poles, abandoned lots, shuttered businesses like the former Tiffany’s strip club, and the old Penn-Ohio truck stop directly opposite Love’s.

However, Simmons and other township officials remain hopeful.

The Vindicator discovered that many of those neglected areas are on track to becoming lively spots again, and there is optimism surrounding the Penn-Ohio property as well.

The businesses that already line the corridor — some of which are hidden treasures — are thriving, and new ventures are anticipated shortly. They also assert that the township possesses excellent development prospects.

OUT WITH THE OLD

Everyone The Vindicator conversed with acknowledged that the primary issue along Market Street in Beaver Township is the former Penn-Ohio truck stop.

Surinder Cheema, operating as Lucky Enterprises of Ohio from Hudson, New York, stated that the truck stop closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. It has remained closed and deteriorated since. The air-conditioning system was ripped off the building during a windstorm two years ago, resulting in a caved-in roof.

“It’s been an unoccupied property, and people like to park their trucks there, so we’re trying to have it condemned and demolished,” Tabor noted. “We’ve received some complaints, so our role as trustees is to help clean up the township.”

Zoning Inspector Lindy Mitchell remarked that the property is deemed a legal nuisance, and her office has issued Cheema three zoning violation notices. By law, she explained, the situation will now be referred to the Mahoning County Prosecutor’s Office.

She mentioned that the township is also collaborating with the Mahoning County Health Department to tackle the issue.

Simmons indicated that the property has been an ongoing concern for the zoning office.

“People frequently visit the zoning office with ideas and projects, and we always think ‘this will be the solution, this will resolve the issue,’ and somehow it tends to fall apart,” she stated.

Tabor remarked that most proposals have focused on catering to truck and turnpike traffic.

“When individuals consider the property, they envision restaurants, and some want truck washes; I suppose it depends on who purchases the property,” he added.

Cheema acknowledged that the property poses a problem and expressed his desire to relieve himself of the burden.

He stated he has been working with the county, that the building has required multiple evaluations, and asbestos must be removed before demolition can proceed.

“Someone might buy it,” he added. “And I believe this is the optimal way to resolve the matter.”

Cheema mentioned that a sale deal is likely underway, although he declined to reveal the identity of the potential buyer. He affirmed that either he or the new owner will be responsible for demolishing the building. He noted that the new owner will likely transform the property into a new truck stop.

IN WITH SOMETHING NEW

As the township works and anticipates progress at the old truck stop, others are expressing interest and investing in the corridor.

Mitchell informed that Southern Tire Mart is expected to construct a 12,000-square-foot facility behind the Pilot truck stop, providing tires and tire services for truckers.

“We’re currently reviewing the plans, awaiting approval from the Mahoning County Engineer’s Office, the Mahoning County Soil and Water District, and our local fire department, after which we can issue a permit,” she explained.

The former strip club is also set to be revitalized. Ben Dickey, a businessman from Lisbon, purchased the property last year with intentions to establish a truck wash, a much-needed service in the area.

That would be constructed behind the old Tiffany’s building, while Dickey also plans to convert the building itself into a climate-controlled storage facility.

“I believe we’re nearing an agreement with the township on usage approval, which would serve as a very fitting purpose for that building,” he stated.

Dickey observes considerable potential throughout the corridor, particularly with a focus on the transportation and warehousing sectors.

“There’s a lot of level land available, and this minimizes the costs associated with developing the property,” he commented.

Dickey indicated that numerous other business owners he’s acquainted with have voiced their interest in establishing ventures in that area.

“I believe Beaver Township could see significant development in the upcoming years,” he added.

Tabor noted that there hasn’t been any lack of interest.

“A few years back, Amazon inquired about some land off Calla Road for a distribution center,” he recalled. “Someone even suggested the possibility of a Cracker Barrel.”

At this moment, much remains speculative, but Tabor perceives ample potential. Similar to Dickey, he believes that most businesses arriving at the corridor will prioritize catering to turnpike traffic.

“This acts as a hub connecting New York, Chicago, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh; all major highways converge in this area,” he added.

Tabor recognizes the advantages for local and regional transportation businesses.

“With the turnpike nearby, entering through that initial gate is free,” he remarked. “This entire corridor could benefit a large trucking firm, perhaps from Pennsylvania, looking to capitalize on the lower taxes in Ohio.”

He aspires to see an increase in restaurants, and perhaps even a couple of strip malls featuring quality retail outlets.

Tabor also acknowledges the rising local traffic and hopes that additional retail and restaurant businesses may serve residents and augment existing local establishments.

“Traffic in the area has at least doubled just in the last few years,” he mentioned.

A HIDDEN GEM

Laurie Hoefert, for one, certainly hopes Tabor’s outlook proves accurate.

Hoefert owns and manages Terrytown Antique and Gift Shop, situated right next to Steamer’s Stonewall Tavern.

The building, a replica of Frontier Town from Disneyland, first opened its doors in 1955 as a museum. The model train engine that once stood outside has since found a new home in the iconic Anaheim, California theme park.

Hoefert’s mother-in-law launched Terrytown in 1964. The store spans the entire length of the building, including the section marked “Barber Shop.”

The shop features a plethora of items ranging from antique plates to classic toy soldiers and nesting dolls, miniature Santas, embossed moleskine notebooks with brass locks, and nearly any other item imaginable in such a shop. Don’t forget the vintage cash registers that once graced banks and department stores in downtown Youngstown.

Hoefert, who has operated the store since her husband’s passing four years ago, asserted there’s still plenty of activity along the corridor, though foot traffic has decreased since the days of Smaldino’s restaurant. The relocation of the school to state Route 46, far from the commercial area, has also had a negative impact.

“Many visitors come for Christmas gifts, and we have numerous loyal customers,” she remarked. “This serves as a gathering spot off the turnpike. They often grab lunch next door and then stroll through here.”

Nonetheless, she has observed men queuing outside Chalet Premier liquor store every Tuesday around 5 a.m., eagerly awaiting their chance to purchase the specialty whiskeys, bourbons, and scotches for which the store is renowned. She closes her shop at 5 p.m. to accommodate the Steamer’s dinner crowd, which usually fills her parking area, though she isn’t complaining.

Hoefert stated that while she hopes for more industrial development and eagerly anticipates the demolition of the Penn-Ohio truck stop, she would happily welcome just one or two additional nice restaurants nearby to attract patrons back to the immediate area during normal business hours.

“It’s gradually expanding, and that has always been the expectation, that it would grow from Boardman outward,” she reflected. “The dive bars are gone, so that’s a positive. They also haven’t permitted anything detrimental to come in.”

The questionable massage parlor in the plaza is gone too, she noted.

Hoefert cheerfully directs customers to Farmer Dave’s, a statue shop up the road, where the proprietor sources unique handmade statues from various states; and to the True Value Hardware store downtown, which features three floors filled with novelty items, including trains and memorabilia related to Ohio State and Cleveland sports.