Developer Proposes New Gas Station On Route 111

A five-bay gas station with a canopy and an attendant's kiosk is being proposed at 528 Monroe Turnpike, between the existing and pharmacy and across the street from Shopping Center.

Tim Onderko, an engineer hired by Monroe Gas LLC, told Architectural Review Board members at their Tuesday night meeting that the pumps could accommodate 10 cars at a time and would not have diesel fuel for trucks.

While the attendant in the kiosk would sell items like gum and motor oil, Onderko said no convenience store and no service garage are being proposed as part of the plan.

"It's about as bare bones as you can get," he said.

Fascia Board at the top of the approximately 18-foot-high canopy would be used for signage and to hide mechanicals. The kiosk would have a bathroom for the attendant — not the public. The site plan also includes a parking area, a driveway and a Dumpster enclosed with cedar board.

Onderko said a landscaping plan that includes deciduous trees, ornamental grasses and other plantings would be a significant visual upgrade.

If it is approved, Onderko said the hours would likely be 6 a.m. - 11 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday. He added that a tenant has not been found yet. The gas station would have no connection to the existing Shell station next door.

Utilities and a tank would be underground and the developer would secure a water main extension on Route 111 to bring water to the property, Onderko said.

The property had been used as a home-heating oil terminal from 1962 - 1988 before there was environmental remediation and fill was brought in, according to Onderko, who said the parcel has since been dormant.

It is owned by 528 Monroe Turnpike LLC of which David Sippin is a member. The architect is Antinozzi Associates, based in Bridgeport.

The plan will come before the Inland Wetlands Commission for a hearing at 7 Wednesday tonight, and would also need site plan approval from the Planning & Zoning Commission. It is before the Architectural Review Board for a letter of recommendation on the design.

Onderko said Connecticut Department of Transportation approval is needed for the driveway, which would be another curb cut along the state highway of Route 111.

ARB members asked about what colors the canopy could be and Onderko said warm grays or taupe would likely be used — something similar to Rite Aid and Gaslight Square.

When asked if the canopy had to have a flat roof Onderko said, "There are gas stations that put roofs on top of a canopy. To me, it's like a building on stilts that's not a building."

The canopy would have LED lighting that shines down on the gas pumps.

ARB members seemed to favor a hearty plank skin on the canopy and kiosk and wood panel trim work wrapped around the steel columns. Antinozzi Associates will come before the ARB at its meeting next Tuesday to present some schemes and ideas for a canopy.