A once-proposed supersized gas station with car wash has now re-emerged as a classier-looking supersized gas station with fried chicken and an urgent care center. The location is the north side of Greenbelt Road between the Capital Beltway and Capitol Cadillac with access from Capitol Drive in the commercial development known as the Golden Triangle. A proposal that once would have been looked at with abhorrence by former city councils was given an open-minded hearing by the current Greenbelt City Council at its August 1 worksession.
Brian Gibbons, chair of the Advisory Planning Board (APB), told council that after robust discussion the APB had recommended that council take a look at the proposal. City Planner Terri Hruby told council that the rewrite of the zoning law will permit gasoline service stations in office park zones, the zone currently designated for this property. Further, there is before the Prince George’s County Council a zoning text amendment bill to permit gas stations in office park zones with possible adoption this fall. The belief of APB and staff is that it is better to reach agreement soon and obtain covenants for city approval of site plan, architecture, signage, etc., before legislation is adopted that would enable the developers to proceed without city input.
Numerous large-size gas stations are appearing along major highways throughout the country. Generally, they include multiple pumps under canopies in front of the property with a large convenience store behind, many with a fast food outlet or the company’s own food service included.
For more, see the full story in the August 16 News Review.