New Store Eyes Whitney-Pearl Corner

A national tire store is seeking to rezone property at the corner of Pearl and Whitney roads.

The Arizona-based Discount Tire, which calls itself America's Largest Independent Tire Dealer, has filed to rezone two parcels on the west side of Pearl, including part of the former Quality Catering spot.

The land would be rezoned from general business and restaurant-recreational to motorist services. 

The company indicates in its application it is purchasing the property.

City Council is expected to give the measure the first of three readings tonight.

"We're going to see how that all plays out down there," Council President Mike Daymut said. 

Residents in the area adamantly opposed a proposal by last year to build on that corner. The gas station has since returned with plan to build on the same corner, but on the other side of Pearl Road.

Daymut said it appears that Discount Tire would occupy the corner lot and only part of the Quality Catering property.

"We'd like to see a project for the whole area -- not just have spot zoning," Daymut said.

The company operates more than 800 stores in 23 states, according to its website. 

The public relations firm that represents Discount Tire, contacted by Strongsville Patch two weeks ago, said it could not confirm that the company was interested in Strongsville.

"Discount Tire often surveys markets across the country and Strongsville may be one of them," Kendra States, senior account executive for The Lavidge Co., wrote in an email. "At this time, they don’t have any commitments or building plans for retail stores in that market."