Looks Like Gas is a 'Go' in Bethany

The town of Bethany is thisclose to getting a gas station at the corner of Amity Road and Sergeant Drive. At a on Wednesday evening John Paul Garcia, the engineer representing property owner Mukesh Patel, presented new plans that took into account changes recommended by the commission.

“At a previous public hearing planning and zoning denied us for a number of issues,” Garcia said. “We’ve corrected them.”

The current plans call for construction of a 3,600 square foot building with a 32 by 90 foot canopy for the gas pumps which would have three pumping stations,each of them with diesel fuel. The building will contain a convenience store that sells pre-packaged food and coffee, and eventually may have a fast food outlet such as a Dunkin Donuts or a Subway. There will be no drive-through, however.

“We are designing an easily accessible parking lot suitable for pickup trucks, trailers and horse trailers,” Garcia said, emphasizing the owner’s commitment to providing services tailored to the Bethany community.

The commission asked numerous questions concerning hours of operation, the design of the canopy, lighting, fire and safety procedures. The changes made to the original design seemed to satisfy the commission as they were far more receptive to the idea. There were no members of the public in attendance.

“I think if this is done right,” said Hiram Peck, advisor to the commission, “it could be the beginning of an upgrade to the architecture in that area of town.”

The Regional Water Authority, Quinnipiac Valley Health Department and the fire marshal have already signed off on the project.

One of the commission’s main concerns was having a 24-hour facility in town that could attract loiterers and possibly crime, but according to Michael Fox, a specialist in the industry, there is never more than $50 in cash available in a modern gas station to encourage crime, and with the state police barracks 500 yards away, the Bethany gas station would be at the bottom of a list of potential targets.

Dr. Kim McClure Brinton, a veterinarian, said she was supportive of the 24-hour concept.

“Sometimes I get called out in the middle of the night and am low on gas,” McClure Brinton said. “I wouldn’t have to worry about where I’m going to have to go to fill my tank.”

The commission also discussed the convenience the gas station would provide for crews out plowing snow during the night in the winter, as well as how much simpler it would be to have a local spot to get diesel fuel for generators should the town lose power, a serious problem during the previous two power outages.

Following the meeting, Garcia said the town technically has 65 days to consider the proposal, however he expected them to have a motion ready by as early as the February P & Z meeting.

Planning and Zoning Enforcement Officer Isabel Kearns agreed.

“It will probably be approved at next month’s meeting,” Kearns said, “and then they go on to get their building permits. As long at they have everything ready and their stamped engineered plans, it won’t be a laborious task. Building codes are standardized throughout the state, and these people are professionals who know what they’re doing.”

Garcia said he wasn't sure what his client's timeline woulb be to begin the project as he is currently traveling and unavailable for comment.