Board approves Denbigh Boulevard fuel pumps, mini‑storage and convenience‑store expansion amid traffic and stormwater concerns

York County’s Board of Supervisors on May 21 approved three related land‑use applications for 905 Denbigh Boulevard that would add accessory fuel pumps, a mini‑storage warehouse complex and a minor expansion to an existing convenience store that includes a drive‑through.

Planning staff presented a sketch plan showing three pump islands (six fueling positions), eight single‑story mini‑storage buildings with about 225 units, and a 902‑square‑foot expansion of the existing convenience store (a 19% increase). The parcel is roughly six acres and is bisected by a 200‑foot Virginia Power transmission easement, a factor staff said has driven several layout constraints.

Staff said the traffic impact analysis conservatively estimated about 2,500 new daily vehicle trips from the combined uses and recommended striping a left‑turn lane on Denbigh Boulevard; VDOT reviewed the study concurrently. The traffic engineer did not apply a typical “pass‑by” reduction in the analysis so the board could evaluate a worst‑case scenario. Staff also flagged a two‑space parking deficit for the mini‑storage that will be resolved at site plan and noted stacking and circulation concerns for the proposed double drive‑through lane.

Supervisors pressed staff about safety and circulation. One member said the forecourt between pump islands and adjacent angled parking would leave only about 20 feet of width (12‑foot drive aisle), calling the layout "very tight" and warning of a high potential for vehicle conflicts. Staff and the applicant replied that setbacks near underground tanks and fire‑department apparatus access limit where pumps can be placed, and that final engineering at the site‑plan stage could address canopy and circulation details.

Stormwater management was another point of discussion. Staff identified a proposed BMP (best‑management practice) location within the Dominion Energy transmission easement; if Dominion declines use of that easement the stormwater infrastructure will need to be relocated on‑site and the sketch plan redesigned. Staff emphasized that a full, engineered site plan — required before construction — will resolve stormwater, parking, landscaping and fire‑access items.

Applicant Donald Davis (Davis & Associates) told the board the owners have surveyed the property and expect the redevelopment will improve a long‑neglected site. He said the commercial uses would serve nearby Newport News residents as well as York County motorists.

After public comment, the board closed the hearing and voted on three separate resolutions. Resolution R24‑85 (accessory fuel pumps) passed on roll call (Holroyd Yes; Knowles Yes; Drury Yes; Shepherd Yes; Roan Yes). Resolution R24‑89 (mini‑storage) and Resolution R24‑91 (convenience‑store expansion/drive‑through) each passed by similar roll calls. Staff said site‑plan review will follow and recommended conditions addressing buffer revegetation, fire‑code compliance, a monument sign for all on‑site uses, and removal of tanks and pumps if the fuel use ceases for nine months.

The board recorded no legal violations for the sketch plan but several supervisors asked staff to ensure final engineering eliminates or minimizes potential safety and circulation hazards before any building permits are issued.