Residents near Coldwater Road and I-69 are pushing back hard against a proposed QuikTrip gas station they say will turn their already congested neighborhood into a traffic nightmare.
Jenni Montel and hundreds of her neighbors have launched a petition and packed city meetings to stop the project before it breaks ground.
Why Residents Say This Location Is Wrong
The site sits directly behind the Springwood subdivision and across from Northrop High School’s main entrance.
Every school day, cars already back up past the I-69 overpass during morning drop-off and afternoon pickup.
Montel, who has lived in Springwood for years, told 21Alive she bought her home because of the quiet woods behind it.
Now those woods could become a 24-hour gas station with bright lights, diesel trucks, and constant traffic.
“It will destroy the whole feel of our neighborhood,” Montel said. “We’re not against progress. We’re against progress in the wrong spot.”
Traffic Concerns Top Every Conversation
Coldwater Road already handles more than 30,000 vehicles per day, according to city traffic counts.
Neighbors point out the new traffic signal at Elderberry Drive won’t solve the real problem: too many cars trying to turn left into Northrop during peak hours.
One resident recorded video showing the backup stretching nearly to Lima Road on a regular school morning.
Several parents say they already worry about student drivers and pedestrians crossing Coldwater to get to school.
Adding a high-volume convenience store would only make that danger worse.
QuikTrip Promises Jobs and “Controlled” Access
QuikTrip real estate manager Ali Bukhres told the Fort Wayne Plan Commission the company carefully chose the site because it sits on a signalized corner and does not require direct access through the neighborhood.
The company says the store would create about 20 full-time jobs and revitalize what they call an “underutilized” property.
In a written statement to 21Alive, QuikTrip said:
“We take community feedback seriously and remain committed to being a good neighbor in every community where we operate.”
The company points to its track record of clean, well-lit stores and says it follows strict environmental standards.
Petition Gains Momentum Fast
Montel started knocking on doors in early February. Within days, she collected hundreds of signatures.
Neighbors created a Facebook group called “Stop QuikTrip at Coldwater & I-69” that now has more than 800 members sharing photos of current traffic and memories of when the area felt rural.
Larry Paulen, another Springwood resident, told 21Alive he is impressed by the community’s quick response.
“Jenni has put in so much work,” Paulen said. “People are fired up because this affects our daily lives and our property values.”
What Happens Next
The Fort Wayne Plan Commission continues to accept public comments on the rezoning request.
The next critical meeting is Monday at 5:30 p.m. at Citizens Square.
Residents plan to pack the room again wearing red shirts to show unity.
If the commission recommends denial, the proposal dies unless QuikTrip appeals to the City Council.
Many neighbors say this fight is about more than one gas station. It’s about whether Fort Wayne will protect existing neighborhoods when big developments come calling.
They want city leaders to know they are watching closely and will remember who stands with residents when votes are taken.
The passion in this fight shows how much people love where they live and how far they will go to protect it.
What do you think Fort Wayne should do when growth threatens neighborhood peace? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.
