By Scott MacKeen
Staff Writer
5/5/11
The Planning Board still has concerns about a plan by Milton Gas on Granite Avenue to update its facilities with a new pump and overhead canopy.
The gas station, located at 310 Granite Ave., has already received permission from the Selectmen to install a new 10,000-gallon underground tank, which will contain both gas and diesel fuel.

But other renovations at the site require a change to its special permit through the Planning Board. The station is seeking to add a fourth service pump and build out a larger canopy with new fire-suppression equipment to accommodate the growth.

The board previously expressed concern that the site may be too small to fit a fourth gas pump, and also that the new proposed canopy as shown on a design plan was too close to the sidewalk.

“Those questions are outstanding,” board Chair Alex Whiteside said during the most recent hearing, which was held April 28.

There was also previous concern that adding a fourth pump could attract more traffic to the area. Still, Robert Sheffield, an attorney representing Milton Gas, said the changes would make the station more efficient in serving patrons without causing a detriment to the neighborhood.

“There is adequate size to house the four pumps,” he said. “The canopy will not overhang the sidewalk in any way, shape or form.”

The Planning Board previously approved similar renovations at Milton Fuel, which is just down the street from Milton Gas. Sheffield said the two stations are active competitors and should be given similar treatment.

But Whiteside said the questions about the pump and canopy must be answered before the board can approve the project.

“I hear you say it’s fine, but that’s not enough,” he said.

Board member Ed Duffy said he wants the decision to include a ban on the placement of signage on the new canopy, similar to the one at Milton Fuel. Town Planner Bill Clark said he was unsure whether the Planning Board or Board of Appeals had issued the Milton Fuel ban.

Regardless, member Peter Jackson said it is the Sign Review Committee’s job to deal with signage. If it turns out the Planning Board approved the Milton Fuel ban, he said the board should send the Sign Review Committee a letter recommending that a similar ban be considered for Milton Gas.

“It’s only fair,” he said.