Bethany: No Gas at Sergeant Drive . . . Yet

Plans for a gas station and convenience store in Bethany on Rt. 63 at Sergeant Dr. are on hold, at least for now. According to Zoning Enforcement Officer Isabel Kearns the planning and zoning commission voted to approve 6 Sergeant Dr. as a suitable location for a gas station according to state statutes, but disapproved the site plan, which automatically also declined the three other requests.

According to Kearns, their were several reasons for the denial.

1.     The canopy did not meet the required front yard setbacks, which in that zone is 70 feet.

2.     The site plan showed a drivethrough window, which the town does not allow.

3.     The architectural renderings lacked sufficient detail.

4.     Signage was not in compliance with current regulations.

Kearns said the board did say, “This use for the location is in harmony with the plan of conservation and development for the town of Bethany that was recently approved in August of 2010.”

John Paul Garcia, who submitted the plans on behalf of his client, Mukesh Patel, said he had not yet discussed the next steps with Patel. Garcia said he believes his client will resubmit, but other than that, he has no comment.

The original application asked for:

1. Location approval to construct a 3,600 square foot retail store and gas station.
2. A special exemption permit to construct gas filling station and retail store
3. Site plan approval for gas station and retail store.
4. Special exception for earth removal, excavation, filling, stockpiling and grading permit.

The plans for the site would include a filling station, convenience store, propane filling station and two franchise food establishments such as a Dunkin Donuts and a Subway.