On November 11th, many students on their commute to school noticed the empty space that once stood Sheetz. This staple of northern Thurmont was a favorite spot for local high school students, commuters, and families looking for Made-To-Order food, fuel, and various amenities. Quickly, Sheetz didn’t just become a quick pit-stop location, but a place for social hangouts as well. Many students after-school would stop for a bite to eat and socialize with peers that they may not see often.
While the demolition of the old facility will take place throughout the coming weeks, it is projected the new building will open in May 2025. While other service options are available within a few miles, one student told the Catoctin Chronicle that without Sheetz, “My life has ended,” citing they must “travel across town for a quick bite.” Although it is sad to see a building full of memories fall, a new establishment will rise to provide even more memories.
During a meeting between the Thurmont Planning and Zoning commission and Sheetz project manager, Robert Franks, in March 2024, they discussed some improvements including: increasing the store square footage from 4,510 square feet to 4,959 square feet, and an increase of 449 square feet. Furthermore, adding two more fueling islands to the existing four, allowing for 12 cars to refuel at the same time, decreasing waiting times amongst patrons. Additionally, a larger loading zone will be constructed on the north end of the building for deliveries, however, the number of parking spaces will remain the same.
While these improvements will allow more customers to cycle throughout the property, the Thurmont Planning and Zoning commission advocated for increased access to the property for high school students, requiring sidewalks and crosswalks be added to the plan as an increased safety measure. Town Planner, Kelly Duty said during the meeting “When the high school lets out, the sidewalk and crosswalk will allow teens to get to the store safely,” Amongst these pedestrian improvements, to support the growing bicycle community in Thurmont, a “Bicycle Plaza” will be added, including four bike parking spots, a bench, trashcan, and bike repair station.
While these will be fairly drastic improvements, the plan discusses the removal of the kerosene pump, which sparked concerns amongst town officials, “This is a farming community and that pump in January and February is used by a lot of people. I’m taken aback at why Sheetz won’t have one anymore.” Franks explained that Sheetz is slowly removing themselves from the kerosene business and Thurmont’s location didn’t generate enough sales to justify the continuation of kerosene being offered.
It was also noted while plans for Electric-Vehicle charging stations are not in the preliminary plan, they may be added later in the project.
For now, we must patiently await the arrival of a new and improved Sheetz location.
Emmitsburg News-Journal.
www.emmitsburg.net/archive_list/articles/ce/thurmont/2024/sheetz.htm
Accessed 13 Nov. 2024.
