Hermitage is a city that's getting gassed up for development.

Giant Eagle is seeking to build a gas station at Hermitage Towne Plaza, according to documents filed with the city's Zoning Hearing Board. The Pittsburgh-based supermarket chain wants to demolish the former Antone's restaurant, which has been vacant for years, to erect the service station. Giant Eagle operates a store in the plaza.

The subject will be taken up at 7 p.m. Nov. 3 before the zoning board.

This is seen as the latest maneuver by local Hermitage retailers as a way of preparing for the proposed Wal-Mart Supercenter in the city. Wal-Mart is looking to settle the store on North Hermitage Road as part of a plaza that would include a gas station. The plaza's developer, Cedarwood Development of Akron, still must get zoning approval for the project to proceed.