New development coming to Capac

Speedway gas station; Red Roof Inn get green light

 

CAPAC — Following action taken by the Capac Planning Commission at their meeting May 6, at least two new businesses have been given approval to move forward with their respective projects, contingent on several issues being worked out.

Representatives from Speedway gas stations and Red Roof Inn made separate presentations at the meeting, requesting approval of their site plans from the commission.

Josh Bratton, speaking on behalf of CESO, Inc., the proposed developer of Speedway gave a brief power point presentation, showing what the company has planned.

Officially, the business would be a 7-Eleven and Speedway Fuel Service Station, located just north of the current Love’s Fuel Center along Capac Rd.

Once open for business, the fuel center will have six pumping stations for passenger vehicles and another six pumps for commercial trucks.

A newly constructed building would be just under 5,375 square feet. The total investment for the project is estimated to be over $10 million.

Planning Commission members shared concerns regarding traffic flow and the overall impact increased vehicle traffic will have on Capac Rd.

“In looking at the site plan, this just magnifies truck issues that are currently there,” said Commission member Jeff Kegler. He is also the Mussey Twp. Fire Chief and stated the department has been called to the area numerous times for serious accidents.

Village Manager Travis Youatt agreed, stating, “the speed limit in that area is an issue, for sure. We are planning on having further discussion with the St. Clair County Road Commission to see if there isn’t something we can do to help slow people down.”

Kegler and other commission members felt consideration should be given to the installation of a stoplight to aid traffic flow in general.

“This board can certainly make that recommendation to the Road Commission,” Youatt said. “But, honestly, I just don’t see it happening. We will certainly try.”

Commission members made a motion to allow the site plan for the new business, with two contingencies related to traffic and complying with the village’s sign ordinance. The vote passed 5-0.

Similar discussion was had regarding a new hotel to be built north and west of the Taco Bell.

Jim Sata, who owns the Taco Bell, is planning on having a Red Roof Inn constructed, with work to begin yet this year.

Plans call for the new hotel to have 67 rooms along with an indoor pool and hot tub. Sata told the commission there are plans for a coffee shop as well, although final details have not been worked out. The commission voted 5-0 to have the project move forward.

“This is huge for Capac,” Youatt told those in attendance. “We’ve been working with Mr. Sata for years on doing something like this. We are thrilled to have both of these developments coming to Capac.”

Youatt told the Tri-City Times after the meeting, “I’ve been working with and talking to Mr. Sata for years on this. I am really happy for him. He has put a lot of time in to this, as well as the investment. This is really going to help the village.”

The village manager said of Speedway, “They have been well organized and done everything we have asked of them to this point. I expect things to go well for both of these projects. We just have to iron out a few more details. It shouldn’t be a big deal.”

Officials with CESO, Inc. said they anticipated to break ground on their project in early 2027, when the winter weather breaks. Bratton said he expects the construction would take about a year to complete.