Country Mart has applied for a Specific Use Permit for the purposes of redeveloping the property and replacing the existing convenient store and gas canopy with a new canopy and a new building to include a convenient store and a liquor store. Gas stations are not allowed in the Downtown District by right, but a developer can submit for a Specific Use Permit to allow the Planning and Zoning Commission as well as City Council to consider the proposed development.
Structural plans have been submitted to the City and are currently under review. Specifically, the applicant has modified the plans to include the following aspects and features into their civil and architectural plans based on the feedback from staff and the Planning and Zoning Commission;
1. Brick poles under the canopy
2. Stamped concrete for the pedestrian crossing (driveway) along Main Street
3. Dumpster located in the rear as opposed to the front of the property
4. Removing the parallel parking (spaces 20 and 21) along Main Street
5. Reconfiguring parking space #4 to accommodate loading/unloading as well as some civic space
Additionally staff is requesting that the curb be extended adjacent to the civic space and parallel to Main Street. This modification would serve to enhance the civic space, according to Downtown District requirements, as well as create a safer environment for pedestrians.
The applicant provided details on the monument sign that will be placed adjacent to FM 1093. The current proposal shows the sign to be digital which is prohibited within the Coordinated Development Ordinance (CDO). Staff has asked the applicant to update the sign board plans to include a sign that is compliant with the CDO.
Lastly, the applicant has also been asked to include EV charging stations to the development. As of the preparation of this executive summary, the applicant has not confirmed whether or not they are willing to add that component to the development.