Commission backs rezoning and site approvals for convenience store with fuel at TR Hughes & East Terrell

The O'Fallon Planning and Zoning Commission on Sept. 4 recommended the City Council approve rezoning, a conditional use permit and the site plan for a convenience store with fuel sales at TR Hughes Boulevard and East Terrell Lane.

Architect Ramon Sarmiento told the commission the proposed building is about 7,500 square feet with a 32,000‑square‑foot paved area for pumps and parking. The packet initially showed Circle K branding but staff said the applicant plans Phillips 66 signage and that Condition 3 should be revised to name 5 Star Investment LLC as the property owner. Sarmiento said a planned drive‑through option was eliminated due to site constraints; the lane at the rear would remain for owner services only.

Commissioners raised traffic and design questions: whether the commission can require bypass/escape lanes (staff said the commission has that authority though code does not mandate them), bollard spacing to prevent vehicles from driving between posts, and the trash enclosure entrance. The commission approved motions recommending rezoning (I‑1 to C‑2), recommending the CUP (with Condition 3 revised to 5 Star Investment), and approving the site plan with additional conditions (passive entrance for trash enclosure; revisit bollard spacing; require photometrics; add a right‑turn lane on Public Works Drive when a restaurant tenant files for a drive‑through). The motions carried; items will be forwarded to the City Council.