Commission backs gasoline sales SUP for 2806 S. FM 51 after neighborhood objections

The Decatur Planning & Zoning Commission on March 30 recommended that City Council consider a specific-use permit to allow gasoline sales at a proposed convenience store at 2806 South FM 51.

Planning Director Lisa Hammond said the convenience store itself is permitted by-right in the site1 restricted business zoning, but gasoline sales require a specific-use permit (SUP). The applicant returned after failing to secure enough votes at a prior City Council hearing; staff described changes since the last submittal including reduced pump count, revised operating hours, and landscape/buffer improvements. Staff recommended approval, noting the proposal is consistent with the cityomprehensive plan for community commercial use.

Several neighbors and nearby property owners spoke in opposition at the public hearing. A resident who identified himself as Lehi Spang said the proposed station would share a property line with single-family homes and predicted increased traffic, engine noise and nighttime lighting would disrupt the Lipsey neighborhood. Ivan Nasornio, who owns property near the site, said nearby fairgrounds events already generate heavy traffic and that a small station with three pumps could worsen congestion during events.

The applicantngineer, Praveen Casey, described technical revisions: store hours reduced (Sunday–Thursday 6 a.m.–10 p.m.; Friday–Saturday 6 a.m.–11 p.m.), gas pump operating hours limited (5 a.m.–11 p.m.), removal of one pump to improve parking compliance, photometric plans to limit lighting spillage below city limits, and the addition of a six-foot cedar fence and dwarf hollies for buffering.

Staff reiterated that a convenience store could be built as a permitted use, and the SUP would only authorize gasoline sales. Commissioners noted the site historically hosted a service station before it was damaged by fire and demolished, and one commissioner described the panel
s largely ministerial if a request aligns with existing zoning and staff findings. After discussion, the commission voted by voice to recommend approval to City Council.

What happens next: The commissionorwarded its recommendation for council review; final city action and any conditions will be set at the council hearing.