Eastside to get gas Eastside to get gas (October 22, 2004)

Council OKs service station next to McDonald's
by Dolores Fox Ciardelli

The City Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to OK a US Gas station with a convenience store and a car wash on Bernal Avenue and Utah Street, next to the McDonald's restaurant on Stanley Boulevard.

"I think a gas station in this part of town is sorely needed," said Councilman Matt Campbell. "I appreciate the patience of the applicant in working with city staff and the Planning Commission."

Traffic has been the major concern, said Principal Planner Jerry Iserson, and a traffic analysis was performed by Dowling Associates. The analysis showed the project could be expected to generate 29 new morning peak hour trips and 33 in the evening at the congested Stanley Boulevard/Bernal Avenue/Valley Avenue intersection.

The Planning Commission, which held two public hearings in September on the project, determined that much of the business would come from vehicles already passing by, and the goods and services offered could even reduce trips to other locations.

"For the last three years we have been working diligently with city staff on the project," said Michael Aminian, president of Fairland Investment Inc., representing US Gas. "In 2002 we spent 10 months working with the city engineer and our engineer to achieve better traffic circulation."

He said that the profit for the 24-hour self-service gas station will actually come from the convenience store and drive-through car wash. The 12 gas pumps, with eight fuel stations, will be situated on Bernal Avenue, with the car wash behind on Utah Street.

"I'm gonna support this but it's not without problems," said Councilwoman Jennifer Hosterman. "But I also recognize the fact that my neighborhood (Vintage Hills) would like to have a gas station and convenience store closer."

She expressed concerns about glare from the lights, although she noted there were no close neighbors. Iserson said they were already eliminating the lights under plastic.

She was also concerned about plans to sell beer and wine until 2 a.m., and Iserson said this could be addressed if problems develop.

The next step is for the applicant to submit plans for building permits. After they are approved, the developer may start construction.

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