Warren County Commissioners tabled their decision about a truck stop development Thursday after they were presented with information about a potential legal loophole.

The commission meeting room was crowded with people protesting a truck stop planned for the Interstate 71 interchange at Ohio 123. Commissioner Pat South announced the board will accept written summations and rebuttals from people who have already given input to commissioners.

Commissioners will render a decision no later than Feb. 23, South said.

Pilot Flying J wants to build a $9 million truck stop/travel center on 10 acres that would include 94 overnight parking spaces for truck drivers, a deli, a Wendy’s restaurant with a drive-thru and multiple fuel pumps.

Two weeks ago more than 100 people protested the development, armed with Power Point presentations filled with research about ways commissioners might deny Pilot Flying J’s site plan. Residents who live near the proposed site have expressed concerns about crime — they say truck stops can be magnets for prostitution and other unlawful activities — noise, air quality and declining property values.

The commissioners at that time indicated they didn’t like the truck stop idea, but said they would have to approve it because the industrial zoning already exists.

A group of residents hired attorney Tim Mara, who discovered fast food restaurants and overnight accommodations are prohibited in that zoning classification.