Board approves removal of 70 mature trees for proposed gas station/self‑storage; city, applicants and opponents cite wildlife concerns

The Board of Zoning Appeals approved requests Sept. 24 to permit the removal of 70 mature trees at an 18‑plus acre site on the south side of McGalliard Road to allow a proposed self‑storage facility and gas station. The applicants said dense hardwood canopy and prior arborist review made typical two‑to‑one replacement impractical for the portions of the site proposed for development.

Kathy Van Nuys of Ashton Land Surveying told the board the property is largely wooded; she said an arborist identified trees for replacement on the north portion of the property but argued replacement would not be viable in the heavily wooded southern acreage. The applicants said they intend to develop a northwest parcel for self‑storage and northeast portion for a gas station and that the southern acreage might be set aside as a wildlife parcel or donated to a conservancy in the future.

Mayor Dan Ridenour and staff spoke in support of redevelopment in an area of the northeast side where the city is seeking reinvestment. Opponents asked the board to consider impacts on wildlife, including testimony that a bald eagle had been seen on the property; staff told the board that U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service review and any necessary permits would be required if eagle nests are found, citing the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.

After discussion the board voted 5 yes, 1 no to approve the variance with the hardship cited in the application and a condition that any development follow applicable federal procedures if eagle nests or other protected resources are identified. Board staff will prepare certification for permitting.

Why it matters: Approval clears regulatory hurdles for a proposed commercial redevelopment while flagging federal wildlife protections that could require additional study or mitigation before tree removal and development proceed.