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Thunderbolt planning commission approves Enmark conditional use for Mechanics Avenue gas station
Summary
The Town of Thunderbolt Planning & Zoning Commission granted a conditional-use approval specific to Enmark Stations, Inc. for a proposed 5,898 sq ft convenience store with eight fuel dispensers at 2606 Mechanics Avenue, but deferred requested setback variances until a detailed site plan is provided.
The Town of Thunderbolt Planning & Zoning Commission voted Jan. 16 to grant Enmark Stations, Inc. a conditional-use approval to build a convenience store and gas station at 2606 Mechanics Avenue, with the approval explicitly limited to Enmark.
Doug Carroll, director of real estate for Enmark Stations, said the company plans an estimated 5,898-square-foot store with eight fuel dispensers on a combined parcel that includes a former used-car lot on Victory Drive and a rear lot currently used as a daycare. Carroll said Enmark intends to work with the town to meet the Victory Drive District's coastal design aesthetic, although he described the company as having a patented building appearance.
The commission first approved an agenda amendment to consider Enmark's request, then took up the petition. Commission Member John Mattingly moved to allow Enmark to build on the site; Commission Member Andrew Chivers seconded. Chair Jan Yarbrough moved to amend the motion to clarify the approval applied only to Enmark; the commission approved that amendment and the motion carried by a three-to-one vote, with Commission Member Patricia Holland recorded as the sole opposing vote.
The Enmark petition also sought two setback variances—reducing the front setback to 38 feet and the rear setback to 10 feet—because the proposed design orients the building to face Victory Drive per the overlay's intention. Commissioners declined to grant those variances at the Jan. 16 meeting, saying they would not consider setback reductions without a more detailed site plan showing building placement and vehicular traffic flow around the pumps.
Town Clerk and Zoning Administrator Deatre Denion said property-advertising requirements for the petition were limited to newspaper notice for two consecutive days and no additional mail notice was required under the petition's filing. Town Attorney Charlie Barrow advised the commission that an applicant willing to work with staff presents an important opportunity to realize the overlay's design goals.
Next steps: Enmark will need to provide a detailed site plan addressing traffic circulation and building orientation for the commission to consider the requested setback variances. Any future approvals for variances or design modifications will be recorded in the commission minutes.
