New gas station headed to Cary

The village of Cary could soon be home to a new Thorntons gas station and convenience store.

The Committee of the Whole unanimously decided Tuesday to recommend the Village Board approve a wall sign variance for the establishment later this month.

The gas station would be located on 3 acres of land south of Route 14 and Jandus Cut Off Road.

BSTP Midwest is requesting approval of variances to install an additional wall sign and illuminated canopy signs for the station. The subject property already is zoned as a shopping center business district, according to village documents.

The establishment is permitted one wall sign facing Northwest Highway and a second wall sign facing Jandus Cut Off, according to village ordinance. However, BSTP is seeking approval to install a sign on the rear of the building facing the vacant parcel that would remain part of the Selcke property adjacent to the Union Pacific Northwest Line railroad tracks.

BSTP also is seeking a variance to internally illuminate three canopy signs on the fueling island canopy as part of the development.

“What’s being presented right now is just a gas station,” Mayor Mark Kownick said. “It’s not a truck stop, it’s not a truck fueling station. This is simply a convenience store with a gas station. That’s what we’re looking at right now. The only action we’re looking at tonight is to get approval from the committee to allow the establishment signs.”

After the meeting, senior project manager Troy Paionk said it’s not yet clear when the Thorntons will open. He said development plans are still being worked on. During the meeting, he said there were no plans to equip the establishment with video gaming.

Brian Simmons, the village’s director of community development, said the Village Board won’t have to approve a conditional use permit for the establishment because it would sit in an area already zoned for retail.

“The gas station is permitted use within the zoning district,” he said, adding that village staff will work with developers to help ensure the Thorntons follows village codes.

However, some area residents are opposed to the establishment.

Dave Miller, owner of nearby Lake Julian Trout Farm, said he’s concerned about light pollution and believes a restaurant or cafe would be a better fit.

“It seems like a waste of three acres for a gas station,” he said. “I’d like to see more restaurants or grocery stores.”