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Select Board approves Costco’s new underground gasoline storage license at 49 Newbury Street
Summary
The Select Board voted to approve a license allowing Costco Wholesale to install underground gasoline storage (121,500 gallons) and pumps at 49 Newbury Street, following a public hearing on the project.
The Select Board voted to approve a new fuel-storage and dispensing license for Costco Wholesale’s proposed fueling facility at 49 Newbury Street.
Representatives from RJ O’Connell and Associates presented the petition. The planned facility would replace the existing Costco gas station after the new pumps and tanks are operating. The proposed design calls for a canopy over a 16-pump (32-station) fueling area and underground storage tanks totaling 121,500 gallons. Presenters said the relocated station would improve circulation, reduce queuing at the front entrance and free land for about 121 additional parking spaces at the store’s main entrance once the old pumps are decommissioned and the site remediated.
The company said the relocation was enabled by acquisition of a former restaurant parcel at the northwest corner of the property and that the new layout would better separate fuel traffic, fuel‑truck access and pedestrian circulation to the store.
Board members and residents asked technical questions about tank configuration, pedestrian crosswalks between the new parking and the store, permitting timelines and environmental decommissioning of the existing station. Presenters said the existing station would remain operational until the new facility is open; decommissioning of the old tanks and an environmental review would follow before the old site could be paved for parking. Staff confirmed the site plan approvals and notices of intent submitted to the conservation commission were underway.
Following the public hearing, a board member moved to approve the license; the motion was seconded and the board voted in favor. The approval allows the new licensed fuel-storage capacity and pumps to be installed at 49 Newbury Street. The board did not set a decommissioning deadline for the existing station beyond the standard environmental review and permitting processes.
The presentation and the public hearing record will be part of the planning and conservation files tied to the site’s subsequent permits.
