ROTTERDAM — A public hearing on a proposed zoning change needed to construct a Stewart’s Shops convenient store and gas station along Highbridge Road in the town of Rotterdam has been delayed until next month.
Deputy Supervisor Jack Dodson announced at a recent Town Board meeting that the hearing will resume on April 10. The hearing, which began on Feb. 28, was previously set to resume on next Wednesday, March 27.
The delay is to give company officials additional time to gather information requested by lawmakers on the proposed 3,975-square-foot convenient store and four-island gas station to be built at 110 Highbridge Road, including a traffic study that will examine how many vehicles would pass through the mostly residential neighborhood that sits in proximity to Exit 8 of Interstate 890.
The long-vacant site sits between Sherman Street and Mercer Avenue and is currently made up of five parcels, including four zoned as a B-1 Retail Business, which allows for things like repair shops and retail establishments. A fifth parcel is zoned as a R-1 residential.
Stewart’s is requesting the parcels be rezoned B-2 General Business, which allows for retail businesses and gas stations.
The property was once home to an auto repair shop, which has long been shuttered.
Residents who live in the area have fiercely opposed the project, arguing the gas station would lead to increased traffic, create unwanted noise and ultimately reduce their property values. Some have questioned whether the zoning change would violate the spirit of the town's comprehensive plan
But officials from Stewart’s have argued the change is minor, and increased traffic would not be an issue since Stewart’s is not a destination location but rather a store customers stop at on their way to other locations.
The town’s Planning Commission, meanwhile, has already issued a positive recommendation on the proposed zoning change in a 6-1 vote last month, with planners calling Stewart’s proposal “an asset to the community.”
The recommendation, however, is non-binding since only the Town Board can approve a zoning change.
Stewart’s Shops currently operates four locations in Rotterdam on Hamburg Street, Helderberg and Guilderland avenues and Mariaville Road.
