Henderson City Council rejects plan for gas station

By Paul Takahashi

Wednesday, April 13, 2011 | 1:55 a.m.

The Henderson City Council on Tuesday unanimously denied an application for an ARCO gas station at the corner of Whitney Ranch Drive and Sunset Road.

Applicant Lucca Real Property II LLC appealed a Planning Commission decision to deny the application in late January. The plans called for an eight-pump gas station, an ampm convenience store, a TacoTime restaurant and an unattended car wash on the 1.2 acre corner property.

As part of the appeal, Lucca had nixed plans for the car wash, but about 20 Whitney Ranch residents and representatives of the nearby Quail Bonita Office Park still protested the development.

Neighbors again raised concerns about heavy traffic on Sunset Road trying to enter the gas station from Whiney Ranch Drive. Residents said they were especially worried about the safety of students walking from three nearby schools.

Neighbors also took issue with potential loitering at the gas station during its 24-hour operation, citing noise and nuisance problems at other gas stations.

City Council members largely agreed with the residents but said they were willing to work with the property owners to find a more suitable business for the lot, which has been vacant since it was purchased four years ago.

The lot is zoned for a commercial office and medical park but could also host a tavern, city officials said.

“I can’t imagine under any circumstances a C-store there,” Councilman Steve Kirk said. “I think a medical office, a bank, something in line with a neighborhood use is more appropriate.”

The application was denied without prejudice, which means the property owners can bring another application to the city Planning Commission this year. The City Council’s decision to uphold the Planning Commission’s decision was final.