Council denies special-use permit for proposed vehicle service at 601 East Whip Street

The Petersburg City Council voted to deny a special‑use permit request to reestablish a standalone vehicle repair/service station at 601 East Whip Street after the Planning Commission recommended denial and council members expressed concerns about gateway and corridor impacts.

Jared Cruz, interim director of planning and community development, told the council the property is 0.23 acres in the B‑2 General Commercial zoning district and that the proposal would reuse the existing 1,500‑square‑foot building with site improvements and conditions that would limit work to indoor routine servicing and preclude outdoor storage. Cruz said the Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend denial because the proposed use does not align with the comprehensive‑plan guidance for gateway corridors and would add to an area already concentrated with vehicle‑oriented businesses.

Councilman Jones pushed for approval, arguing the project would revitalize a vacant building in Blandford and showing frustration that other proposals have been denied. "That that looks better than anything that's about to be over there besides Bethany," Jones said, urging the council not to reject small business investment. He moved to approve the permit, but the motion received no second and died on the floor.

Vice Mayor Hill made a motion to deny "as the planners have asked to do so," which Councilman Myers seconded. The roll call vote approved denial (majority aye). The council directed no additional action on the permit; conditions in staff materials would require any future changes to return for a new permit or amendment.