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Public hearing on proposed Middlebelt gas station exposes split over liquor sales; applicant to amend application and re-notify neighbors
Summary
Developers seeking to convert the former auto-repair site at 2617 Middlebelt into a new gas station and convenience store said avoiding site cleanup is not feasible; they told the commission beer/wine/liquor sales would likely be needed to make the project viable, but the application did not list liquor sales and commissioners asked the applicant to amend and re-notify neighbors before the commission considers a recommendation.
The planning commission held a public hearing on a proposal to convert the former automotive-repair site at 2617 Middlebelt into a fuel station and convenience store. Designer Zade Adabo and owner Jason Atishon described extensive site work — removal of old underground tanks, site remediation and reconstruction of a new building, canopy and pumps — and said those cleanup and construction costs meant the project required a business model that could support the investment.
"We're chopping off the roof… complete rehab on the inside… removing the old tanks… brand new canopy and four new pumps," Zade Adabo said, describing the planned rebuild. Owner Jason Atishon said the partners have not chosen a brand and were "considering Shell" or Citgo but said they would decide after approvals.
A key point of contention emerged when commissioners and staff noted the public notice and the application described a gas station but did not list beer, wine and liquor sales. Planning staff said the application as filed did not indicate liquor sales; the applicant subsequently stated that beer/wine/liquor sales were likely and financially important. Commissioners argued that if liquor were part of the proposal the applicant needed to amend the application and provide fresh notice to property owners within the required 300-foot radius so those neighbors could be heard.
Given that discrepancy, the commission closed the public hearing without making a recommendation and asked the applicant to return with an amended application and proper notice. Commissioners also debated broader policy concerns: whether granting liquor licenses at gas stations would set precedent encouraging other stations to seek licenses and whether new development should prioritize more family-friendly retail uses. The applicant said he would amend the application and return for reconsideration after the required notice period.
