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EAST LIVERPOOL -- East Liverpool residents had the opportunity to voice their opinions on a zoning change to allow for a commercial vehicle fuel stop on Monday night.
Property owner Jean-Pierre Daniel petitioned the city for a zoning change for multiple lots located between Mulberry Street, First Avenue, Locust Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. If the change is granted, the property would be reclassified from "R-3" High Density Residential to "B-4" Highway Business.
"B-4" Highway or General Business areas are areas along major highways or thoroughfares which provide sales and services oriented to highway travelers, or general businesses including sale and service for automotive, farm machinery, building trades, etc. Permitted uses include service stations, restaurants, motels, hotels, building trades and services, transportation equipment sales and repair, essential services, public uses, accessory uses and social activities," a public notice from the East Liverpool City Council said.
Daniel listed commercial development as the reason for the zoning classification change on his application.
He is looking to convert a former transmission shop into a truck stop/fuel stop for commercial vehicles.
Thelma Johnson, East Liverpool resident, said she was opposed to a truck stop because of the noise that would result all through the night with trucks coming and going and backing up to park.
Linda Zeigler said that Pennsylvania Avenue is part of a designated scenic byway and scenic byways have certain state and federal restrictions. She noted she knows of the sign restrictions but is not sure of zoning restrictions. She advised council to look into it and get it in writing.
Darlene Kinsey said she just looked up scenic byways online and although she had only gotten through the first three pages of restrictions, she found nothing on zoning, just signage, and doesn't see any reason the matter shouldn't be voted on that night.
Council Clerk Pat Scafide noted that Planning Director Bill Cowan and the Zoning Appeals Boards had done the research for the rezoning.
Josie Daniel, wife of Jean-Pierre, said that as of now the business is planned to be an in and out operation for drivers to just fuel up and get on their way. They have not determined the business hours yet and whether they stay open all night will depend on the truck traffic and if the numbers are feasible for them to operate overnight.
Mayor Bobby Smith offered his full support of the business and the zoning classification change.
Smith noted that state Route 11 was originally built to get deliveries down through the area to the river, which never happened, but this would be a good start for that to happen.
According to Smith, Daniel wants to put in a gas station with two canopies, one for gas and one for diesel.
"We all know how they do their business in Calcutta, it's top notch and I think this will be top-notch too," Smith said. "It's been in the works for five years."
Smith also said he understands the citizens' concerns, but among their concerns is a gas station up the road that needs a lot of repairs and has caused problems with the safety service.
The matter will go before the Planning/Expansion Committee which will decide whether to send it on to city council for a vote.