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Scranton zoning board approves proposed Boulevard Avenue gas station with parking and testing conditions
Summary
After neighbor testimony that a Phase 2 report found underground tanks and soil contamination, Scranton's Zoning Hearing Board approved a special exception to reopen a former gas station at 2009 Boulevard Avenue with parking, lighting and remediation/testing conditions, 3—1.
The Scranton Zoning Hearing Board voted 3—1 to approve a special exception allowing a former vehicle repair site at 2009 Boulevard Avenue to become a convenience store with gasoline sales, but the board attached conditions on parking layout, lighting and inspections after neighbors raised contamination concerns.
Neighbor Saurabh Patel told the board he had a Phase 2 environmental investigation performed on the property and submitted that report for the record, saying the "Phase 2 report confirms" underground fuel tanks remain and that "gasoline-related contamination was found in the soil above Pennsylvania health standards," and urged the board to deny the special exception or require Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection approval and full remediation before reopening.
Applicant Ketan Patel said he performed a Phase 1 assessment and plans to install two pumps and add an additional tank; he told the board he believed the site's tanks had been maintained by previous owners and that there were no current leaks. "We're looking for 2 pumps," Ketan Patel said, and described one existing tank of about 8,000 gallons with a proposed additional 10,000-gallon tank.
Board members and staff told the applicant that any reopening and refilling of underground tanks would trigger DEP involvement and required testing; staff said a Phase 2 and clearance could be required before refilling or operation, particularly if a bank requires testing as a loan condition. The board also questioned whether the pumps and island were "grandfathered" because they previously existed on the site, with staff noting a reused pump line may be allowed but extensive changes could trigger stricter ordinance distances.
On parking and site layout the board found the applicant's site drawing overstated usable stalls. Staff noted a retail requirement of one parking space per 200 square feet (the building is about 1,145 square feet, which would require six spaces). The board made approval conditional on shifting most parking to the left side of the building, prohibiting parking between the gas island and the storefront (no parking in front that would interfere with pump access or the sidewalk), ensuring a handicap-accessible stall, and keeping exterior lighting minimal and security-focused.
A board member moved to approve the application with those conditions; after a second, the motion passed 3—1. "By a vote of 3 to 1, you've been approved," the chair said. The board recorded that DEP oversight and any required environmental remediation or testing remain regulatory prerequisites prior to fuel operations.
The applicant thanked the board. The board advised the zoning office and inspection staff would review parking drawings and coordinate any required follow-up with DEP or city inspectors before permits are issued.
