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Board approves gas‑station site variances with recorded easement and conditions
Summary
The board granted multiple variances for a proposed gas station at 2217 East 42nd Street but required a recorded easement (reviewed by the law department), conditions tied to a conditional‑use permit, and other clarifications on circulation and parking before final permits.
Agent Carlton Ward and applicant Rakesh Patel told the board they revised plans for a proposed gas station at 2217 East 42nd Street to meet many zoning standards but still required a number of variances: a second driveway on a single street for a corner lot, relief from driveway spacing (125‑foot intersection standard), a variance from a 50‑foot setback from a residential district and a reduced two‑way drive aisle width adjacent to the canopy.
Staff and engineering raised technical concerns: a two‑way aisle east of the canopy measures about 15–16 feet, below the 22‑foot minimum for two‑way aisles; a bump‑out on the building affects circulation; the rear employee parking area is not yet paved and will need bumper blocks or other controls; and a recorded easement is required so that employee parking and circulation do not rely on a separate parcel that could later be sold and blocked.
Agent Ward explained changes to curb cuts and driveway widths and noted the first driveway is 50 feet from Grove Avenue after revisions. He said, "We're a 150 feet away from the main street" in explaining how curb‑cut adjustments affect spacing. Board members pressed for a recorded easement, law‑department review and a requirement that the conditional‑use permit be granted by planning commission. A motion to approve the variances carried, subject to those conditions and to the applicant recording the required easement and securing necessary permits.
