Planning Commission clears Wesco plan to public hearing after recusal, requests buffer and traffic clarifications

The Allendale Planning Commission reviewed a proposal April 20 for a 5,970-square-foot Wesco gas station and retail store with a pick-up window, 10 pumps and 48 parking spaces on a three-acre parcel.

Commissioner Bruce Zeinstra recused from the discussion and left the room because of his business relationship with Wesco. Project engineer Matt Cole and owner JJ Westgate described site details and updates made in response to prior comments: the applicant is proposing bollards in three locations instead of curb and gutter for safety, an accessory building for snowblowers and maintenance equipment, and additional landscaping/screening. The plan was revised to show pick-up stacking of two cars (down from the six shown earlier) after a traffic study that the applicant summarized as showing 0.7 cars of stacking demand.

Cole also said the applicant proposes vinyl siding for the building in lieu of masonry. Commission members asked for a three-foot berm buffer on the west side of the lot from the shed down to the outdoor seating area, requested an internal access easement and reciprocal easement documents for the adjacent property to the north, and asked staff to relabel the drive-through as a “pick up window.” Staff signaled the next procedural step would be a public hearing, earliest available May 18; commissioners noted possible groundbreaking in spring 2027 because ground gasoline tanks can require roughly six months lead time.

After the discussion concluded, Bruce Zeinstra rejoined the commission. The commission did not take a final approval at this meeting; the applicant will return for a public hearing with the requested revisions.