Council Puts Off Vote on Gas Station Appeal

Although leaning toward overturning a Planning Commission denial of plans to expand a Unocal gas station, the City Council on Monday delayed a decision on the appeal.

The Unocal proposal seeks to add an express carwash and a convenience store with beer and wine sales to the existing gas station at Crown Valley Parkway and Puerto Real.

Planning commissioners had turned down the project last month, saying the expansion would overcrowd the 32,000-square-foot lot.

Mayor Sherri M. Butterfield agreed with the Planning Commission, but three council members expressed support for the expansion, which could cost up to $750,000.

“We have a corporate citizen who wants to invest $750,000 in the corner and give it a fresh face,” Councilman Joseph D. Lowe said. “I think it’s a great project. I think it’s great for that corner.”

Council members Susan Withrow and Lawrence H. Smith liked the plans but decided to reserve their approval until company officials and city staff could work out issues over traffic circulation inside the gas station.

The appeal will return to the City Council on Oct. 28.