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Applicant proposes fueling-canopy at 25 South Bedford Road; board asks for lower height and expanded photometrics
Summary
An applicant proposing a 24-by-56-foot canopy over an existing fueling island was told to provide additional engineered justification for the 18-foot height, a full photometric study including existing site lighting, fire-suppression details and bollard placement; the board set a public hearing for July 21 with materials due June 29.
An informal appearance before the New Castle Planning Board on June 17 introduced plans to install a 24-by-56-foot canopy (15-foot clear underside, 18-foot total height) over an existing fuel island at 25 South Bedford Road.
Anthony Nester of JMC said the site is in the BR (business retail) district and the canopy would require three variances because the property is a pre-existing nonconforming use. He said the canopy would cover the existing island (six fueling positions) and include eight recessed 140-watt lights under the canopy (2700 K) and that no canopy signage is proposed.
Board members raised design and safety questions. Several members asked whether the canopy must be 18 feet high, noting that a lower canopy might reduce the visual silhouette and lessen a “tunnel” effect between the new structure and the existing building. One member asked for engineered justification explaining why 18 feet instead of 16 feet is necessary.
“Can the silhouette be thinned?” a board member asked. “Can the 15-foot clear height go to 14 feet and the roof projection be reduced by two feet?”
The board also requested a photometric study that includes the existing pole-mounted street lighting near the site and the building’s existing lights so staff can evaluate perimeter illumination (perimeter foot-candle levels, not just under-canopy values). Staff and board members asked the applicant to show fire-suppression layout and to confirm where pump-protecting bollards will be placed so they protect the canopy columns as required.
Applicant and staff confirmed that no underground tanks conflict with proposed column footings and that operations would remain restricted to current hours (roughly 5 a.m.–10 p.m.); the canopy is not intended to enable 24-hour operation. The applicant agreed to return with additional engineered details, expanded photometrics and a revised plan set.
The board set a public hearing for the second meeting in July (July 21) and established a materials deadline of June 29 to allow packet review before the hearing.
