There is a familiarity in the fight to block the opening of a 24-hour-gas station and convenience store on Jericho Turnpike in the Village of Mineola. Much as we would like to support the local residents who came to protest, we are more concerned about the potential for abuse in the permit process.
This particular process has dragged on for more than a year. Bolla Management Corp. purchased the site 18 months ago.
At a public meeting last week where Bolla once again presented plans for the location, the company was told that there would be a continuation of the hearing on Nov. 14.
At last week’s hearing 90 local residents packed the hall and took turns stepping up to the microphone to express their concerns about the gas station which, if the owners get the permit, will be located on Jericho Turnpike between White and Latham roads. It is not a residential area, but it does abut one.
One woman, who lives on White Road, said, “The traffic is going to be so increased, it’s going to be a danger to our children. Tell Bolla Management to build a 24-hour gas station somewhere else.”
She claimed to have a petition that she said bore 124 signatures of her neighbors who share her concerns.
Others said the gas station would have impact on quality of life and lower property values. One person even asked, “Why don’t we just rename Jericho Turnpike Kamikaze Turnpike?”
At this meeting as in others like it, officials allow and even encourage emotion and hyperbole to trump reason and fairness.
Where is the proof that a new gas station, which replaces a station that had operated in the same location for years until it burned down, will increase traffic on Jericho Turnpike or have any impact on quality of life?
Has the opposition commissioned a study that supports its case?
On the other hand, Bolla did retain Stonefield Engineering and Design, which did a traffic analysis that shows 2,000 vehicles pass the Jericho Turnpike location each hour during peak times. The company estimates 61 vehicles would enter and exit during peak morning hours and 81 vehicles stopping there during the evening rush hour.
Adding to what we see as basic unfairness, Mineola Deputy Mayor Paul Pereira charged Bolla has not maintained the empty lot since buying it 18 months ago.
“If the way you’ve treated that property since you’ve owned it is an indication of how you’re going to operate it going forward, I’m less than impressed,” Pereira said.
How well did the village maintain this site while it was abandoned?
Bolla owns and operates 42 stations in New York all of which have convenience stores. Are those properties well maintained? If they are not, that would be easy to prove.
Bolla President and CEO Harry Singh said he plans to invest $2.5 million in developing the site.
Singh is not trying to tear down a playground to build his gas station. He is trying to open a business in a commercial area that will create employment and generate tax revenue.
With all due respect to the residents who took the time to attend this and other meetings to voice their concerns, they have failed to make their case.
