For the past six months or so, I’ve averaged at least one call, email or text weekly on the status of the closed BP station in the valley. As many of you know the station closed back in May 2025 after sinkholes appeared in the parking lot and inside the building. BP closed the building as it was unsafe for customers and the threat of damage to the gasoline storage tanks underground. Fences were put up to keep traffic out and nothing seemed to happen for the first four months or so.
This is the only gas station in the Merriman Valley and it was heavily used not just by valley residents, but by many who passed through the valley on their way to work or during their travels. I know I stopped by on my way up north as I drove through the valley to avoid highway traffic. I just heard the good news that it will be re-opening hopefully in early December.
According to Akron’s Service Director Chris Ludle, the sink holes were caused by a damaged storm sewer that ran under the property and a culvert that diverted water into the Cuyahoga river. BP worked on their portion of the damage and the city helped out to make sure the storm sewer was repaired. Both of these issues have been corrected and after some pavement and interior repair, I look forward to the BP opening soon.