The Little Rock Planning Commission tabled a Murphy USA application Thursday to build a 24-hour convenience store and gas station at the southeast corner of Cantrell and Taylor Loop roads.
In order to give planning staff a chance to review unspecified modifications to Murphy's proposal, the commission will now vote on the plan at its Sept. 4 meeting. If accepted, the proposal will go on to the city's Board of Directors for approval.
The 1.8-acre property is being sought by Murphy to develop a 10-fueling station business with a stand-alone canopy, a vacuum station and a propane pad, according to city documents.
Though the commission will make the final decision on sending the plan to city directors, planning staff have advised that Murphy's request be denied, citing concerns about traffic at the Cantrell-Taylor Loop intersection.
On Tuesday, the Little Rock Board of Directors approved a similar Murphy request for a gas station at the corner of West 12th Street and South University Avenue. The commission approved that application June 26 against the recommendation of planning staff.
The West 12th-University gas station has been opposed by residents of the nearby University Park neighborhood, but directors supported it on a 6-5 vote after Murphy offered to change the site's planned operating time from 24 hours a day to 19. Mayor Mark Stodola cast the deciding vote to break the 5-5 tie.
Last month, Mapco abandoned plans for a downtown gas station at the intersection of Third Street and Broadway. That proposal also saw opposition from some neighborhood groups and Pulaski County elected officials -- including County Judge Buddy Villines and County Prosecuting Attorney Larry Jegley -- and was not supported by planning staff.
Metro on 08/08/2014