YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) — Construction is underway for a new Marathon gas station at the corner of Market Street and Midlothian Boulevard, bringing new life to a long-vacant lot in Youngstown.

The site, which sat empty for years, was previously home to a BP Gas Station before it closed and the old structure was removed. Crews have fenced off the property and begun breaking up old concrete to make way for new foundations and a retention pond at the back of the lot.

The new station is expected to serve drivers along one of Youngstown’s busiest intersections, providing fuel and convenience store services to nearby residents and commuters.

Brian Oehlbeck contributed to this report

Filling a Gap in Local Services

The intersection of Market Street and Midlothian Boulevard is a major traffic corridor for residents on Youngstown’s South Side, but fuel options in the immediate area have been limited since the BP closed years ago. The new Marathon station will help meet demand for fuel, snacks, and other essentials, especially for commuters and local businesses that rely on quick access to gas.

Improving the Property

Site work includes demolishing remaining pavement, preparing the ground for new fuel tanks, and building the retention pond to manage stormwater runoff — an important step to comply with city and state environmental rules.

Economic Impact

Local officials say the new gas station will bring jobs and tax revenue to the neighborhood, which has seen other vacant commercial properties in recent years. Small businesses nearby hope the increased traffic will also help attract more customers to the area.

Community Reaction

While some neighbors welcome the cleanup and new business, others hope developers will also invest in landscaping and safety measures to keep the busy corner looking attractive and accessible for pedestrians.

Timeline

Construction is expected to continue through the summer and into early fall, though no official opening date has been announced yet.

Originally reported by Lorie Barber in WKBN.