ALLENTOWN, Pa. – A gas station that served its last customer well over a decade ago in East Allentown is being eyed for an overhaul.
On Tuesday the city’s planning commission reviewed plans for a new gas station and convenience store at the site at 1127 Hanover Avenue.
A Texaco gas station on the property closed in 2011 and has been vacant ever since.
The new plans are being put forth by Hanover Station, LCC. Project manager Drew Nyman from Base Engineering was on hand to answer questions at the meeting.
Plans call for the demolition of the existing canopy, cashier kiosk and store shed on the site. A 2,400 square foot convenience store, canopy and six gas pumps would be built on the lot, which is bordered by Hanover Avenue and North Kiowa Street.
“I think this is a great project,” said Planning Commission Chairman Christian Brown.
No tenant is associated with the property yet, Nyman said.
Planning commission members noted that the footprint of the proposed convenience store is smaller than many of the “super” convenience stores that have become popular in the area.
The city’s planning department, which previously reviewed the plan, recommended enhancing walkability around the site. Planners suggested eliminating one of the two vehicle entrances on Hanover Avenue to help reduce car congestion for pedestrians walking along the sidewalk in front of the gas station. They also proposed enhancing the landscaping on the property.
Ultimately, the planning commission opted to postpone taking any action on the plans, pending receipt of a comment letter from the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission (LVPC).