Is Norwalk getting a Starbucks?

NORWALK — It appears Norwalk is not getting a Starbucks, at least not anytime soon. There had been reports that a Starbucks was going to be taking over a property at 219 Milan Ave. that is now the Super Wash car wash. But a Starbucks spokesperson and a worker at the car wash both said there probably isn't going to be a Starbucks — at least not at that location. The worker at the car wash, who declined to give his name, said the owner of the car wash was contacted about selling the property, but decided against it. And Starbucks also said they have no plans for a location in Norwalk "at this time." "Starbucks is always looking for great locations to better meet the needs of our customers and we are continually evaluating our store portfolio," a Starbucks spokesperson said. "At this time, we remain focused on serving customers in Ohio at our existing stores and have no store-opening plans to announce." Norwalk Mayor Dave Light said a variance was approved for the property at 219 Milan Ave. and plans initially involved building a Starbucks at that location. "We heard that we are (getting a Starbucks) and they got a variance for the site, but we haven't seen the land transfer yet," Light said. The land transfer apparently is not coming because the owner of the car wash decided against selling the property. However, Light said he thinks that a Starbucks would fit in nicely in Norwalk's business community even though there are already a handful of coffee shops in the Maple City. "Some have said that we already have enough coffee shops, but it seems like we are a coffee-drinking society," Light said. "People like varieties. They (coffee shops in Norwalk) all seem to be doing well." Norwalk's planning and zoning administrator, Mitch Loughton, did not answer a request for comment. Local reaction Comments posted on Facebook were mixed. "We have Dunkin and Sheri's. Don't need anymore," said Val Wright, referencing two of the several coffee shops in Norwalk. "No to Starbucks," wrote Lori Pressley Denslow. "Support small business! Why would the city allow them to open a Starbucks when two small businesses just opened?" But not everyone was opposed. "Love Sheri's, but I do enjoy a Starbies shaken espresso," wrote Kayla Rae. "Excited!" wrote Jacklyn Rohr. "Yes I still support local LOL but I do love Starbucks."