Convenience‑store owners urge zoning edits to preserve operations on Berryville Avenue

Ty Lawson, representing multiple convenience‑store and property owners, presented suggested redline edits to TA‑265 and asked the commission to recommend those changes to staff and City Council. Lawson asked for allowance to reduce setback to 15 feet adjacent to residential if appropriate screening (walls, landscaping) is provided; he also proposed that trash enclosures be permitted separated from the building if they are built of the same materials so they present a cleaner appearance.

Lawson urged a modernized definition of service station to reflect that many convenience stores now sell prepared foods. He told the commission the goal was to allow these businesses to remain and to evolve on Berryville Avenue while fitting within the walkable‑urban vision where possible. The chair allowed a five‑minute stakeholder presentation during the applicant response period, but later ruled that Lawson’s redline letter — which was sent to commissioners but not included in the public packet — could not be considered at this hearing without proper public notice.