Pryor Creek council approves zoning change, easement vacation and final plat so Casey’s can build

The Pryor Creek City Council on Oct. 26 approved a zoning change, vacated a utility easement and accepted the final plat for a proposed Casey’s General Store on property owned by the Wallace and Phyllis Baker Trust and Lori Ann Reinhardt, trustee.

The actions clear regulatory steps the applicant needs before construction: the council changed the site’s zoning as requested, vacated a utility easement that crossed the parcel and approved the final plat, moves city staff said are required before building can begin.

The council received public comment from nearby property owners worried about notification, noise and lighting. “I don't care for it coming as long as it doesn't blare in my because my living room wall is on that side, and I have big windows,” Kathy Boggess said during the public hearing. Another resident, who identified himself as Drew, said he and partners own property he believes lies within the city’s 300-foot notification radius and said he was not notified; council staff said they would review how the 300-foot measurement is applied for this case.

A speaker who said he previously worked as a Casey’s service technician described typical store construction and safety requirements, telling the council that local building rules will affect lighting and layout. Council members said they expect the developer to comply with local construction and lighting standards and offered to meet with neighbors to discuss specific concerns.

During discussion council members asked whether the store would operate 24 hours; the applicant had not confirmed hours at the time of the hearing. Councilmembers also discussed privacy fencing as a common mitigation measure; one speaker said privacy fencing is “very common” behind stores in residential areas and encouraged the developer to consider putting a fence along the property line.

The council moved each item separately. A motion to approve the zoning change (mover: Joya Shropshire; second: Kenneth Brashears) passed on roll call. A motion to vacate the utility easement (mover: Gontier; second: Brashears) passed. The council then approved the final plat (mover: Gontier; second: Brashears). After the votes, the mayor and staff offered to meet with residents and the developer to discuss lighting, fencing and other site details before construction permits are issued.

Council and staff clarified that vacating the easement is a necessary step so the applicant can build across the center of the parcel; the easement dates back many years and the vacation will remove that recorded encumbrance if approved by any affected utilities.

What happens next: With zoning, easement vacation and final plat approved, the applicant can move forward with engineering and building-permit submittals. Council members said they will facilitate follow-up meetings between staff, the developer and nearby residents to address lighting, fencing and hours of operation.