Fairborn Council approves planned unit development for Vectren CNG station after split vote

The Fairborn City Council on Feb. 18 adopted Resolution No. 12-13 to approve a preliminary and final planned-unit-development for a public compressed natural gas fueling station at 1335 E. Dayton-Yellow Springs Road following a lengthy presentation, public comment and council debate.

Colleen Ryan, president of Vectren Energy Delivery, outlined station features, safety measures and regional context, saying, “This would be the first compressed natural gas station in the Miami Valley.” City staff and vendor representatives described design and safety systems engineered to NFPA standards, including leak-resistant storage spheres, emergency shut-offs and bollards around tanks and pumps.

Residents and the developers of nearby housing presented objections during Citizen Comments. Attorney Greg O'Connor urged Council to deny the project on process and zoning grounds, arguing it does not fit the definitions for automobile service stations or the PD-2 zoning standards. Several residents said the site would create traffic-safety hazards and could depress nearby property values.

Council members pressed Vectren and staff on throughput, vehicle types, and potential expansion. Councilman Tim Steininger clarified that a 760-gallon-per-day figure is based on 24-hour output but that compressors are typically operated 16 hours daily. City Solicitor Mike Mayer advised that the code language requires a factual determination by Council about compatibility and that municipal codes lack many CNG-specific definitions.

Councilman Dan Kirkpatrick reported informal outreach to truck drivers and trucking schools, and summarized those interviews as saying fleets are not yet widely converting long-haul semis to CNG; he also stated, “It is by far a safer facility than even a regular gas station.” Supporters framed the project as a regional infrastructure opportunity; opponents emphasized neighborhood compatibility and location concerns. Councilman Jim Hapner and Councilman Robert Wood voted no; Councilmen Kirkpatrick, Snow, Steininger, McCauley and Mayor Nagel voted yes. The motion carried 5–2.

Council directed staff to continue engagement with residents and to require Council approval for any substantive expansion of the operation. The resolution authorizing the PUD was read by title and adopted during the meeting.

What's next: the resolution allows the project to proceed under the approved PUD terms; any major changes or expansions would return to Council for review.