Developer proposes gas station rebuild with cannabis dispensary; neighbor raises safety and notification concerns

Dave Kimmer of ABD Engineers told the Town of Ballston Planning Board that property owner Mr. Singh proposes to tear down the existing gas station at 1402 Route 50 and build a larger station plus a three‑tenant building that would include a convenience store, retail space and a cannabis dispensary.

The proposal is before the Board for site plan review, a special use permit and a minor subdivision. Kimmer said the County Planning Board has already approved the project and that a wetland delineation recently completed shows areas of possible federal wetlands; because stormwater infrastructure had been planned partially in that area, the applicant proposes to move the bioretention and stormwater retention basin north to avoid wetland disturbance. Planning staff and the chair said they could not grant conditional approval without full plans and calculations.

During the public hearing, resident Louie Nowak of Brookline Road said moving the stormwater system addressed many of her longtime concerns but raised three others: a dead tree on the property that she said could fall onto her barn or shed and "potentially hurt my children," an incorrect property owner address on application materials, and a request that proposed dispensary hours be compatible with a residential neighborhood. Chairman John Van Vorst opened and then closed the public hearing after hearing no other speakers.

The Board did not take a final vote on the application at the July 29 meeting and asked the applicant to supply complete plans, calculations, and corrected application materials before any formal action.