Following a few months of discussion, a request to build a new service station on Racetrack Road gained approval on Tuesday night. The project is located at the intersection with Iris Lake Road.
The city worked out several conditions for the project before its approval. Most relate to the appearance and build aspects when finished.
Racetrack Road Service Station
The property in question consists of about four acres. It is located at the southwest corner of the intersection. The applicant, Buddy Kelley Properties, sought to rezone the land from residential to C-3 (highway commercial). Commercial zoning has been on other corners of the intersection since the mid-2000s.
The proposed development includes a gas station, convenience store and attached restaurant with drive-thru lane. A tenant is not onboard for the food space, though the applicant indicated a coffee and donuts business would be one possibility. No timetable was immediately available when construction could start.
The site will have road access from both Racetrack Road and Iris Lake. In addition, a new roundabout is under construction at the intersection. This will improve traffic flow for the area.
The city council voted 5-1 to approve the rezoning request. Councilwoman Thomas voted in opposition, and Councilman Pruett was absent. Before approving the request, the city negotiated several conditions. They include the following:
- The owner / developer shall preserve a 50’ undisturbed or enhanced buffer on the south and west property lines. This is an increase over the typical 40’ buffer.
- There shall be a 10’ wide path on the road frontage with street lighting. Typically, such sidewalk would be only 5’ wide. There will also be a 20’ wide landscape strip.
- The building exterior shall be four-side brick and stone.
- Signage shall be limited to one ground-based monument sign per roadway. Signs may be no more than 6’ in height.
- Detention ponds shall have a black wrought iron fence to enclose them with landscaping.
The city also asked the applicant to consider incorporating the geranium or similar red flowers into their design. Examples could be in landscaping or decorative brick work. McDonough is seeking ways to better embrace the geranium’s appearance throughout the city.
Featured image shows a concept photo for the Racetrack Road service station. Applicant photo.
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