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Stewart’s Shops outlines potential Route 7 relocation; neighbors raise traffic, septic and lighting concerns
Summary
A Stewart’s Shops representative told the ZBA about a conceptual plan to relocate a gas station and convenience store to the former Jimmo’s Motel parcel; board members and neighbors raised questions about dimensional waivers, wastewater feasibility, truck routing and impacts on an adjacent open field.
Charles “Chuck” Marshall, representing Stewart’s Shops Corp., appeared before the Ferrisburgh Zoning Board on March 5 to describe an early-stage plan to move the existing gas station/convenience store at 6973 US Route 7 to the former Jimmo’s Motel parcel at 6990 Route 7.
Marshall said Stewart’s purchased Jolley Chain assets that included both properties and that the current station is constrained by undersized facilities, including two pumps and limited parking, which motivates a relocation rather than renovation. He described the motel parcel as roughly 1.5 acres and said the bylaws have a 2-acre minimum for gas stations; after required setbacks, Marshall said only a narrow developable strip remains, so the project would likely need dimensional waivers for setbacks and site-plan review by the Planning Commission. Marshall said Stewart’s expects a typical store size of about 4,500 sq ft and that fueling-truck deliveries would occur three times weekly with 52-foot trucks.
Neighbors and board members raised a range of concerns. Diane Nadon said a new light installed at the current station shines into her bedroom and said she opposed further development, and she asked that the church-owned open field adjacent to the motel parcel be conserved. Jean Richardson and Katie Quinn urged sidewalk connectivity and careful driveway siting; Jean Richardson asked that Planning Commission and Road Commissioner input be sought. Craig Heindel and the board emphasized that soil and wastewater feasibility could be a project stopper given reports of clay at the motel parcel, and that nearby parcels across Stage Road might offer septic opportunities. Marshall said Stewart’s would pursue soil testing, VTrans review for driveway access, and coordination with the Highway Superintendent.
Outcome: This was a preliminary discussion to gauge support and identify issues; no approvals or applications were recorded. Board and staff recommended further study of wastewater feasibility, truck routing, photometric/lighting plans, and formal site-plan review if the applicant pursues permits.
