Dismissing objections from concerned neighbours, Wellesley council has cleared the way for a new gas station in Heidelberg.
Meeting Tuesday night, councillors approved the zoning bylaw amendments needed for the project to move ahead at 3015 Lobsinger Line.
The amendments put forward by township planner Geoff VanderBaaren in response to an application from property owner Ahmed Haji to add a gas bar to the permitted uses of the space, drop the required parking spaces from 16 to 12 and mandate the structure’s set back and height requirements.
The proposal also calls for a fence along the west side of the property, which is currently home to the Forwell Variety store.
But concerns remain for Crystal Steenson of 3025 Lobsinger Line.
“When sitting on my front porch, I do not wish to be looking at or listening to the noise that will be produced by a gas bar,” she stated in a letter to VanderBaaren. “If council approves this zoning change I would like to request that there are regulations put in place to insure privacy (like a 15 foot fence without changing my landscaping), courtesy of his neighbours, posted signs reminding his patrons of this, (and) a respectful closing time at no expense to us.”
Lynn Huehn and John Huehn also submitted a written statement to council outlining their apprehension.
“Prior to the last meeting (August 19) I advised Mr. Haji that I was opposing the gas bar noting a decrease in property value. … I have now confirmed with my home insurance carrier that my property (and surrounding properties) will be classified “high exposure risk” with a gas station (nearby).”
The Huehns also pointed to parking problems as well as traffic issues related to the refueling of the gas bar.
VanderBaaren addressed each concern in the planning and development memo.
“With a tanker truck on site refueling the storage tanks, a portion of the front part of the site will be occupied by the tanker truck. This will cause some traffic circulation disruption on site, but safe access into and out of the site can still be maintained.”
On the topic of property values, VanderBaaren said such concerns aren’t a determining factor. “Consideration of property values is not an established and recognized land use planning consideration.”
And in regards to septic system concerns, which had been problematic at the site when it was owned by Stemmler Meats in the past, VanderBaaren stated that, “There have been no recent issues with the septic system on this site. The gas bar use is not anticipated to add any additional load to the existing septic system.”
Property owner Ahmed Haji previously operated a pizzeria in Kitchener and has acknowledged plans to look into adding a restaurant to the site in the future.
Mayor Ross Kelterborn, councillors Herb Neher, Jim Olender and Paul Hergott supported the motion, while Coun. Shelley Wagner opposed it.
