By Aleasha Sandley, Herald Bulletin Staff Writer
ANDERSON — The city’s west side, often lagging behind the rest of the city in new business, could soon see a new sign of development.
Convenience store owner Kamaldeep Singh says he plans to put a gas station and convenience store in the 1400 block of South Madison Avenue, inviting travelers into Anderson in that high-traffic area.
The Board of Zoning Appeals approved a special exception for the store as well as a front yard setback variance in a sign of support for the store, which will sit on a long-empty piece of property.
“Kind of a blighted block is the way it looks right now,” Municipal Development Assistant Director Tim Stires said.
The store would be open seven days a week, from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. or midnight, with the possibility of going 24-hours-a-day later. It will be one of several convenience stores owned by Singh in the state.
Three neighbors of the site expressed concerns that the property would not be well kept and traffic would be too high.
“I don’t know why we need another gas station on Madison,” neighbor Fred Reese Sr. said. “We have enough junk out there. We don’t need no more junk. If you ain’t going to take care of it, you ought to leave it alone.”
Neighbors’ concerns seemed to be calmed when the BZA assured them the site would be well kept or it would be in violation of the city.
“While I’m really glad to see something going there, I really want it to set a standard,” board member Connie Klungness said.
The gas station and convenience store is expected to be a half-million dollar investment in the city and will include space for other businesses and green space that will improve the area.
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In other Board of Zoning Appeals business:
— The board approved a variance from the sidewalk requirement for Hoosier Park Racing and Casino.
— The board approved a special exception and variances from the front setback and side yard setback requirements for Validus Academy, a massage therapy school at 2725 Enterprise Drive.
