Gas Station Convenience Store Plan Approved by Town Board

 
The North Hempstead town board on Tuesday unanimously approved a special use permit to allow construction of a 24-hour convenience store at the Shell gas station at 601 Port Washington Blvd.

The approved project allows for the conversion of three service bays to the store, installation of a canopy and associated site improvements.

The plan calls for a more aesthetically pleasing look to include a renovated facade, improved landscaping, new sidewalks and more energy efficiant lighting — but approval didn't come without a few fireworks

Democratic town board members Anna Kaplan and Thomas Dwyer questioned whether or not extra time was needed to decide the issue after a Port Washington resident angrily demanded a delay to the vote in hopes notifying the Port Washington Civic Association.

A notice of public hearing regarding the special use permit conformed with all local laws regarding proper posting, according to Town Clerk Leslie Gross. Notices were also posted at the gas station location and online. 

The public hearing was carried over from the Sept. 10 town board meeting.

Station owner Syed Hussain told the board he has "suffered" through the application process for three years, including three years of back-and-forth with the Town of North Hempstead Building Department. He said he spent $1.5 million to decontaminate the Port Washington station he purchased in 2009.   

"I am trying to help the community and make the place one thousand times better," said Hussain, who owns 15 stations in the New York tri-state area.

Republican Port Washington Councilwoman Dina DeGiorgio said the project is an improvement and she thought it would be unfair for the board to impose a burden on Mr. Hussain that is not typically imposed on other applicants.

"Why the board is being so obstinate and so difficult tonight, I can't imagine," said DeGiorgio. "Except, perhaps it's that season."

"I think we are making a mountain out of a mole hill and I hope we aren't playing politics with this poor guy," said GOP Councilman Angelo Ferrara.

The gas station was previously approved for 24-hour operations by the town board. The location is situated across the road from a 24-hour BP gas station and convenience store.