A proposal to ease the number of gas stations built within city limits passed City Council on an 8-1 vote Tuesday night, after spending two weeks on hold.
The proposal amends Chapter 157 of the Municipal Code, and aims to bring down the number of zoning categories available to gas stations and thus, making it more difficult for gas stations to open in certain areas of the city using special exemptions or status.
In what 6th District Democratic councilman Glynn Hines noted as a compromise between residents and business owners, the proposal took on a different look in the end.
“It accomplished what we wanted and that is to have a lesser impact on neighborhoods and still maintain what the Department of Planning Services has recommended -- to a degree,” said Hines.
The "degree" is that gas stations will still be able to apply for special use, but can no longer do so if the location is adjacent to residential living.
During the initial March 13 meeting on the proposal, councilman Tom Didier expressed concern over preventing a gas station from opening in commercial spaces like Northcrest Shopping Center. He approved the compromise.
4th District Republican councilman Jason Arp was the lone dissenting vote.
