BRENHAM PLANNING & ZONING TABLES REQUEST FOR GAS STATION

  

Brenham Planning and Zoning Commissioners held off on Monday on granting a specific use permit request for a new gas station and convenience store.

The commission voted 4-0 to table the request to build a Zippy J’s at the southeast corner of East Blue Bell Road and Gay Hill Street, currently the site of the vacant Terminix pest control building.  Members wanted further clarification on Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) rules and regulations and how they pertain to the daycare facility located adjacent to the proposed place of business. 

Larry Lazare, owner of Wee Care For All Childcare Center, told commissioners that he is strongly opposed to having a convenience store selling alcohol and tobacco next door.  He also said that city ordinance should prevent the business from selling alcohol so close anyway, stating that his daycare is licensed and accredited with the state as a school.

City of Brenham code states that the sale of alcoholic beverages is unlawful within 300 feet of a public school, church or public hospital.  According to the code, the measurement of the distance is “along the property lines of the street fronts and from front door to front door, and in direct line across intersections.”

Commissioner Calvin Kossie said he went to several neighboring towns and cities, including Bryan, Fayetteville, Waller, Sealy and others, and that in none of those places could he drive from the driveway of a school and go next door to a convenience store.

The gas station would have six gas pumps – 12 total fueling stations – and would serve four-wheeled vehicles and light-duty commercial vehicles.  It would not be a 24-hour facility, as its hours would be from 5 a.m. to either 11 p.m. or midnight.  City of Brenham Project Planner Shauna Laauwe noted that the area is zoned for retail use already, but the gas station portion is what needed the specific use permit.

Click here to view the agenda packet for Monday's meeting.