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Commission backs Circle K fueling center rezoning for Romney site over staff objections; residents warn of truck noise and pollution
Summary
The APC voted to recommend approval of a rezoning and commitments for a proposed Circle K fueling center near Romney; staff had recommended denial because of proximity to residences and removal of a 500‑foot separation requirement from the zoning amendment.
Tippecanoe County APC members voted on March 19 to recommend approval of a rezoning for property near the intersection of State Road 28 and US‑231 in Romney that would allow a Circle K‑branded fueling center with high‑speed diesel lanes. The recommendation will be forwarded to the County Commissioners for consideration on April 7.
County staff had urged denial, citing the proximity of proposed commercial truck fueling positions to nearby houses and noting that an earlier staff proposal for a 500‑foot separation between truck fueling and residential property was removed from the zoning amendment by the ordinance committee. Staff said the amended fueling‑center category enabled the rezone without the separation requirement.
Kevin Riley, attorney for the petitioner, told the commission the site is intended to capture existing traffic flow on 28 and 231 and said ‘‘this is not a truck stop’’ — the petitioner does not plan overnight truck parking, showers or a sit‑down restaurant. Riley said his data projected about 26.5 trucks per day would use the high‑speed diesel pumps.
Several nearby residents spoke in opposition. Trina Hubert said her home would be 26 feet from the truck fueling area and said she worried about noise, exhaust and lights: ‘‘We're gonna go from farmland and nature … to a truck station a 26 feet from my home.’’ Other neighbors cited water‑runoff, contaminant and well‑water concerns and called for the town to upgrade the existing gas station rather than add a new fueling center.
The commission approved the petition’s commitments 14‑0 and voted 10‑4 in favor of the rezoning (Z‑2957); the case will be heard by county commissioners on April 7.
Staff and petitioner said the site plan includes berms, buffers, fenced detention and light shielding designed to reduce glare and noise. The petitioner’s representatives also said the facility would be regulated and subject to stormwater and fueling regulations.
