CC Min 1996-11-04 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

In response to Council questions, Director Jany described the situation and conditions of the current lights, "cut lights" and acceptable foot candle intensity, advised that the owners/operators have not applied for a Pennit, and said that adjustments can be made through baffles but have not been made. He described the Use Pennit process for lighting problems in a parking lot across the street and how a lighting plan was used to resolve the issue. Director Jany said, based on the glare, if the station is using "cut lights" they are not adjusted properly. In response to Council questions, Director Jany discussed signage violations regarding the percentage of the windows covered, and the illegal appendage to the pennitted monument (free standing sign) on the corner. The following people spoke on behalf of the two neighborhood groups opposing certain operations of the 895 Woodside Gas Mart: Tim de Spain, 926 Woodside Road, referred to the petition objecting to the new operations at 895 Woodside Road signed by his neighbors and submitted to Council on September 23, 1996. He asked Council to approve the recommendations of staff. Mr. De Spain described problems caused by the new operations of the gas station regarding increased traffic, lighting noise and unexpected major safety concerns to the community. Mr. de Spain said the neighbors have tolerance for businesses in the area, but they needed a break from the 24-hour traffic noise. He said the last few nights since the station closed at II :00 p.m., noise and other problems have decreased. He elaborated on the traffic hazards created by the 3m island. He said there had been much misinfonnation about fonner use of the station and expressed concern regarding the owners/operators actions. He distributed a letter to the Council. Mr. de Spain said neither the neighbors nor City staff ever asked to have the station closed, only to have the new features mitigated to reduce noise, lighting and traffic problems. He alluded to signs displayed at 895 Woodside and their inappropriateness. Mr. de Spain expressed support for staff's recommendations. Ed Bailey, whose wife owns the Laurel Glen convalescent hospital, 885 Woodside Road, adjacent to the Gas Mart at 895 Woodside Road, referred to the folder of photos of other gas stations he distributed to the Council at this meeting and described the problems with the lighting at 895 Woodside Road, a smaller lot than all the other stations. Mr. Bailey said since the gas station reopened with new lighting, extended hours, a 3m service island, and the loss of five mature trees that acted as buffers, and four of the bedrooms at his convalescent hospital were adversely impacted due to excessive noise and glaring lighting. Mr. Bailey said the owners/operators were not responsive to his concerns. Mr. Bailey further described problems of honking horns, gesturing, and cars backing in and out onto Horgan. He said there was a light post on the left hand corner (when facing the station) that use to illuminate the whole property. He asked Council to consider requiring a block wall between the gas station and 885 Woodside Road, having the lights REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTE. BOOK NO. 55 NOVEMBER4,1996 MINUTES Page No. 012 PAGE 10