North Bellmore Citgo modifies renovation plan

The property owners of a Citgo gas station in North Bellmore have recently modified their plans to improve the site after collaborating with local residents in an effort to address community concerns.

After a meeting with the two civic associations representing North and Central Merrick and North Bellmore, Kevin J. O’Brien, an attorney for 1206 Bellmore Avenue Realty Corp., outlined the changes to the Citgo’s proposed renovations.

The corporation is seeking a permit from the Hempstead Town Board to convert an automobile repair shop into a convenience store and erect a canopy over three gasoline pumps on the south side of Jerusalem between Bellmore and Park avenues in North Bellmore. It also was looking to operate 24 hours a day, but that proposal is now off the table, O’Brien said.

Hours of operation would be from 5 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. and truck deliveries would not be made after 10 p.m., O’Brien said. Other changes include removing the existing tenant, after complaints of alleged criminal activity at the site, landscaping upgrades, and maintaining lighting shielded so as not to illuminate beyond the property, he said.

Several residents at a town board meeting in July had asked the panel to reject the application. Among the concerns cited were the store’s expanded hours, noise and traffic.

The town board held a public hearing about the petition in June. The proposal is awaiting the board’s decision.