- November 23, 2024
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The RaceTrac convenience store at 1421 N. U.S. 1, near the Interstate 95 interchange, could get a makeover plus added food offerings if their requested Planned Business Development is approved by the city. The Planning Board recommended approval at their Feb. 9 meeting with the exception of one wall-sign request. The City Commission will hear the request at an upcoming meeting.
“They are looking to renovate and update the building,” said Senior Planner Steve Spraker.
The company is requesting additional wall and canopy signage. The plans include additional landscaping and adding 400 square feet to the building plus outdoor seating for dining. New offerings would include frozen yogurt, pizza, made-to-order sandwiches, smoothies and coffee. The exterior walls would be exterior would be stacked stone.
The building is 16 years old and it would get a total facelift, according to Tom Sullivan, representing Race Trac.
The company wants to keep the canopy striping, which is not allowed in city code. The gas station was in the country prior to being annexed.
Race Trac representatives say canopy signs and striping are necessary because the heavy landscaping prevents the station from being seen by people entering or leaving the city on U.S. 1. Striping and signs on gas station canopies can be allowed as variances in a Planned Business Developments.
“That station is looking sad and tarnished and this will be an improvement to the corridor,” said Board Member Al Jorczak.
The Planning Board voted to recommend approval of the design plan, with the exception of a sign on the north wall. Detailed drawings can be seen in the Planning Board agenda packet for the Feb. 10 meeting.
Board Member Pat Behnke voted no, saying she would like to see a more detailed plan for the landscaping.
Development could be coming to the now-wooded lot east of the Church of the Holy Child, 1225 W. Granada Blvd.
Last year, Holub Development Co. bought a parcel of land on the west side of the property to square off a parcel the company owns and make commercial development more viable. No plans were announced for any development.
Now, something similar could happen on the east side of the church. At the Feb. 9 Planning Board meeting, Roger Strcula, of P.E. Upham Inc., representing the church, asked the Planning Board for a land use amendment for a small parcel, .38 acre, on the east side of the church.
The land to the east of the small parcel is owned by Amsouth Bank, according to property records. There was a site plan submitted for a bank on the lot at one time but it was never developed.
At the Planning Board meeting, Strcula said the small parcel would be needed for an entrance to any commercial development, because it would be far enough away from the intersection of Old Tomoka Road and West Granada Boulevard.
Board Member Pat Behnke pointed out the “Pirana Grille” billboard on the site, saying a billboard had been at that location for 30 years.
Strcula said it would be removed.
The Church of the Holy Child would not be affected by a transfer of the property. A representative of the church at the meeting said they purposely notched around their “ministry tree.”
The City Commission will hear the matter at their March 20 and April 5 meetings.
