by Nicole Bradford
Plans for a convenience store and gas station on the corner of McHard and Max roads were shut down by Pearland City Council Monday after neighbors of the site turned out to voice their opposition.
“We certainly do not need gas station, especially one which is still a residential area,” said Max Road resident Sonia Serrano.
“I agree, we need another gas station like we need another coffee shop,” resident David Lee said.
A convenience store is allowed in a general business zone, but gas stations need a conditional use permit.
“It was about a decade ago that auto-related uses go through an extra layer of scrutiny,” Mayor Kevin Cole said. “The majority of the gas stations that you see up and down 518 were allowed by right — they didn’t have the scrutiny that they do today.”
The council on Monday unanimously rejected the conditional use permit, a move recommended by city staff as well as the Planning and Zoning Commission.
“I’m a big believer in landowners’ rights, but I’m also a believer in our staff, and our staff is not recommending this,” Councilman Chad Thumann said. “And I would not want a gas station next to my house.”
About a half dozen residents spoke against granting the conditional use permit before Monday’s vote.
“I’ve seen comments on social media that we, the city, are forcing this,” Mayor Cole said. “We don’t own the land. Developers, landowners and others have that right. We hear those and decide them on a case-by-case basis.”
Just over two acres, the triangular-shaped property is a challenging site to develop, according to Alan Mueller, who was representing MMSN Enterprise.
“This is a remnant property left over from the taking of right-of-way for McHard Road,” Mueller said.
