New Point rezoning approved for gas station after board adds vinyl‑fence condition for neighbors

The Decatur County Area Plan Commission on June 4 approved APC petition 2025‑18, allowing GD Partnership LLC to renovate an existing commercial building in New Point into a convenience store with fueling pumps, subject to a condition requiring a vinyl fence along the property's south boundary to screen light and provide privacy for neighboring residences.

Petitioner attorney Chris Steven told commissioners the site — a building that previously operated as a car wash or oil change — would be renovated into a convenience store with three fuel pumps and underground fuel tanks in front of the building. He said the petitioner will place canopies and lighting at the front of the site and intends to locate the dumpster away from the rear residential lot line; the developer also offered to install a fence if neighbor concerns warranted it.

Multiple adjacent property owners raised concerns at the hearing about lighting, noise, vehicle traffic, deliveries and children playing near the rear property line. Carrie Dean, a neighbor whose backyard abuts the parcel, told the commission she worried vehicles might “come flying through” behind the buildings and endanger grandchildren; she asked the board to require screening, trash screening and a fence to reduce light intrusion.

Board members debated conditions to reduce impacts on adjoining residences. Commissioner Paul Stone moved to approve the petition with a condition requiring a vinyl fence across the south border of the parcel to block direct light; the motion passed on a voice vote. The clerk called the roll during the vote and the petition passed. Chair remarks at the end of the hearing recommended the petitioner maintain contact with county staff through the building permit process.

Petitioner and the board said the plan envisions the fuel tanks and pumps in the front of the lot, and delivery trucks would not be expected to access or exit behind the building. The petitioner’s representatives acknowledged they would consider additional measures — barriers or fencing — to prevent customers or delivery vehicles from driving in the narrow area behind the structure.

The commission’s action included the fencing condition and recorded that the petitioner agreed to place lighting and trash handling at locations intended to avoid direct impacts on nearby yards. The petitioner was advised to coordinate with county staff on building and permit details before beginning renovation.

Vote and next steps: The petition passed with a majority of commissioners present. The petitioner was instructed to stay in contact with the county as it proceeds through design review and permitting.