Planning commission approves QuickTrip gas station and convenience store at East Cork Street

The Kalamazoo City Planning Commission voted April 8 to approve a special-use permit for QuickTrip to redevelop a vacant restaurant site at 3810 East Cork Street into a gas station with a convenience store.

City staff described the site as an auto‑oriented parcel at a busy interchange and read zoning decision criteria that require analysis of compatibility, parking, impervious coverage, access and environmental containment for fuel storage. Staff noted QuickTrip’s proposal reduces impervious surface on the site, includes a landscaping buffer and that fuel storage and hazardous-material containment will be regulated through state permitting and the city’s site‑plan and building‑permit processes.

Gabriel Longoria, QuickTrip’s real‑estate project manager, outlined the company’s background and store features. He said the design would include a Gen Four store, an in‑store kitchen, 16 fueling positions (two stacks of eight), and substantial on‑site surveillance. Longoria also cited company figures about average store-generated tax revenue and charitable contributions and said QuickTrip emphasizes employee advancement and store security.

Commissioners questioned access, truck parking and easement title. Staff said the proposed access uses a private easement with stable title and that the site‑plan review and city traffic staff — and, where applicable, MDOT — will vet final approach and access details. A member of the public, Logan Herber, spoke in support but noted concern about turning from the roundabout.

After discussion and acknowledgement of the traffic study and proposed mitigation, the commission approved the special‑use permit and moved the project to the site‑plan review process, where staff and reviewing agencies will evaluate final access design, stormwater controls and fuel‑containment measures.