At a glance
McKinney’s Planning and Zoning Commission voted to recommend approval of the permit request during a Jan. 13 meeting. The commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to council for consideration at its Feb. 3 meeting, according to a city document.
If approved by council, the permit would enable the construction of a gas station next to the Sprouts Farmers Market along Virginia Parkway. A permit is required since the city’s unified development code only permits two gas stations at each intersection, and any additional gas stations would require approval of a specific use permit, city planner Jake Bennett said.
Two gas stations are currently open east of US 75, and the proposed Murphy station would be located across from another gas station on Virginia Parkway.
City staff are recommending denial of the permit request since these other gas stations exist within the intersection, according to the city document.
“Staff believes that the proposal does not meet the intent of the UDC,” Bennett said. “This would be the fourth gas station on the fourth hard corner and the fifth gas station within approximately 1,500 feet along Virginia Parkway.”
About the project
Allen Perez with JM Civil Engineering spoke on behalf of the applicant during the meeting. Murphy officials feel the chosen location is ideal for travelers heading to work in the morning, he said.
“Additionally, Murphy recognizes that there is an aging presence for fueling stations in this area, and Murphy’s eager to move forward with a clean, efficient new fueling station,” Perez said.
A zoning exhibit attached to the agenda shows plans for a 2,824-square-foot convenience store with seven fuel dispensers and a canopy on the north side of the development. The site would include 18 regular parking spaces and one accessible parking space, according to a letter of intent.
What they’re saying
Multiple commission members, including Gina Hammack and Charles Wattley, voiced support for the permit request before a vote was taken. Hammack said it would be a “convenient spot” for drivers who may not have easy access to other gas stations at the intersection.
“This could be the highest and best use for it given the access and the visibility for that corner,” Hammack said.
