From The Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE — Trussville’s Planning and Zoning Board voted against the rezoning of two properties on Highway 11, during a meeting on Monday, Oct. 12, 2020.
Dinesh Patel, who lives in Stockton, presented plans for the property owner, John T. Howland, Jr. Howland would like the property to be rezoned from I-1 (Light Industrial) to Commercial, in order for him to build a new service station and convenience store.
The two properties are at 7435 and 7433 Gadsden Highway, in Trussville. The properties are part of Industrial Park, across from the Saddlewood subdivision.
Members of the public came to voice concerns. Some living in Saddlewood were concerned about traffic, light pollution and the smell of gas impacting their neighborhood. The husband of a teacher at Paine Elementary also voiced concerns with traffic in the area.
Patel said he spoke with the Industrial Board and received a list of items that need to be accomplished in order to comply with the industrial park’s covenants. He added that new LED technology in the canopy would prevent light pollution throughout nearby properties.
The owner operates existing gas stations in Gadsden, Sylacauga and Oneonta. If the rezoning is approved, Patel said the owner would like to operate the store from 5 a.m. until 10 p.m. on weekdays and from 5 a.m. until 11 p.m. or midnight on weekends.
The rezoning request will go before the Trussville City Council on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2020. The P&Z Board recommends the request be denied. There will be a public hearing on the matter ahead of a vote by the council.