Editor, Gazette-Journal:
It is my opinion that the Gloucester Board of Supervisors made an error in judgement, at its August 6 meeting, in approving the requested zoning change to add .93 acre from a SC-1 classification to B-1 which will now accommodate a Sheetz gas station on the total B-1 zoned lot of 13.72 acres.
I am a huge proponent of attracting businesses along the Route 17 corridor to increase county income and provide employment to county residents. However, I believe a mistake was made in this case, which cannot now be corrected, but should result in a teaching moment.
As a basis for approval, it was stated several times that the 12.79-acre parcel was already zoned B-1 and a traditional gas station could be built without the rezoning. This is true but the larger Sheetz station may not have been suitable for the 12.79-acre lot remaining without the zoning change. B-1 districts are open to “development for general business which the public requires direct and frequent access.” ...