Longmont City Council overturned a previous denial for a QuikTrip gas station and convenience store at 733 Ken Pratt Boulevard by the planning commission. The council originally thought the proposal didn’t provide enough “diversity of uses” for the mixed-use corridor zone district. The mixed-use district is expected to have a variety of business and residential uses.
On Tuesday, February 25, the council voted 4-2 to overturn the previous vote. New council member Matthew Popkin recused himself from the vote because he served on the planning commission when the QuikTrip application was considered. Diane Crist and Sean McCoy were the two council members who voted against the measure.
Michael Bailey, a local citizen, spoke at the council meeting in support of QuikTrip. He said the company is more than just a gas station and “they have a tremendous focus on service and quality food.”
The zoning district allows for a convenience store, but a conditional site use plan is required to build a fueling station within 250 feet of a residential zoning district. QuikTrip has asked for modifications to the site use, including increased lighting and more shrubs in place of the three trees that are required at the eastern property line.
The resolution is on the schedule for the city council meeting on Tuesday, March 4 to formally accept Quiktrip’s application with modifications.
