Commission backs SUP for gasoline sales at 2806 S FM 51 over neighborhood objections

The Planning & Zoning Commission voted March 30 to recommend that City Council approve a specific‑use permit (SUP‑260001) permitting gasoline sales at a proposed convenience store at 2806 South FM 51. Planning Director Lisa Hannon told the commission the convenience store itself is permitted, but gasoline dispensing requires an SUP and a 75% approval at council.

Hannon said staff found the request consistent with the comprehensive plan and recommended approval with conditions including lighting and buffering reviews during permitting. "Based on the findings in our staff report and the consistency with our comprehensive plan, development services staff does recommend approval of the specific use permit," she said. Staff noted the applicant reduced pumps and revised operating hours since the last council hearing.

Neighbors spoke in opposition. Lehi Spang, who identified himself as a Lipsey neighborhood resident, told commissioners the site shares a property line with a residential area and that traffic, lights and noise would be disruptive: "This is just not an enhancement to Lipsey... It's just not the place for it." Ivan Nasornio, a nearby property owner, and Robert Talley, another neighborhood resident, described event traffic near the fairgrounds and said three pumps will not be sufficient for peak loads. The applicant’s engineer, Praveen Casey, said the design will meet city light‑level limits and included measures to reduce spillage and driveway issues: "What we did is based on the city ordinance... We are minimizing, and we can do less than 0.5 [foot‑candles]," Casey said.

After discussion about the commission’s largely ministerial role and previous approvals of elements of the site plan, a motion recommending approval to City Council carried by voice vote. The recommendation will forwarded to City Council, where a 75% vote is required for final approval of gasoline sales.