Planning board recommends rezoning at Palm Avenue to allow redevelopment of gas station

The Planning and Zoning Board voted Feb. 26 to recommend rezoning two parcels on the west side of Palm Avenue — 2000 and 2090 Palm Avenue — from C2 (retail commercial) to C3 (extended retail commercial), clearing the way for a proposed consolidated redevelopment of a gas station and new convenience store.

Applicant representatives said the existing station at 2090 Palm Ave dates to 1959 and is currently nonconforming because the zoning category under which gas stations are permitted is C3. The applicant proposes to consolidate the 2000 and 2090 parcels, demolish the existing improvements and construct a new convenience store toward the south side of the consolidated lot, with pedestrian-friendly frontage and screening of utilities; the new site plan would include six pumps (12 fueling positions) and a new ~2,800-square-foot convenience building. Staff recommended approval of the rezoning, subject to further site-plan review to confirm screening of utility appurtenances and enhanced pedestrian access along Palm Avenue, and noted that replatting will be required because current parcels are subdivided by metes and bounds.

The board accepted the staff recommendation and forwarded the rezoning to City Council for consideration; the applicant asked the council hearing be scheduled on March 25 (applicant’s scheduling request). The board noted additional technical details will be addressed during site-plan and replat stages.