Brook Park council imposes safety condition on Circle K proposal after heavy public opposition

Council members weighed hours of testimony and technical questions Tuesday night before approving one binding precondition for a proposed Circle K convenience store and gas station at 20850 Sheldon Road.

The City Council session drew more than two hours of public comment from residents, neighborhood advocates and scientists who said a 24-hour gas station at the intersection of Sheldon Road and Route 237 would increase congestion, crime risk, and local air and noise pollution. Thomas J. Coyne Jr., who said he represents the applicant, and others argued the site is appropriate for commercial reuse and that traffic fixes proposed in a new study would mitigate congestion.

The council’s most consequential action came after debate over traffic and safety: Council members approved a motion that “no work may begin” — including demolition or construction — until the safety recommendations for Route 237 tied to the project are completed at Circle K’s expense. Councilman Paul Poindexter introduced the motion and it passed 4–3 (Yes: Dwayne Dexter, Dufour, Troyer, Insaney; No: Roberts, McCorkle, Scott). The measure requires the developer to pay for the roadway safety work before any on-site activity starts, and council members said it is intended to prevent the project from creating a hazardous intersection while later fixes are negotiated with state and regional agencies.

Nut graf: The condition…