Collierville’s Planning Commission rejected a permit for a second convenience store at Byhalia Commons.

The Board of Mayor and Aldermen overrode a June Planning Commission decision to turn down a conditional-use permit for the first convenience store in December. Commissioners reviewed the second location north of the one approved by the board in December. Both are part of Byhalia Commons, a 104-acre development south of Tenn. 385 and west of South Byhalia Road.

Collierville moves toward convenience store south of Tenn. 385 near Byhalia Road

Several commissioners shared concerns of potentially having two gas stations and convenience stores so close together. Commissioners recalled concerns from nearby residents related to crime and traffic during the previous approval of the southern convenience store. Applicants said the location on the north side of the property, close to Tenn. 385, was chosen as it caused little impact to surrounding neighbors.

“There are ways through architecture and sight design they can discourage (crime) from happening,” Jaime Groce, town planner, said.

Concept drawings show a drive-thru attached to the building on the south side of the property and 12 fuel pumps on the west side. There would not be a car wash.

Alderman John Worley, who voted against the conditional use permit at the board level, said he believed the area was not designed for two gas stations and heard many concerns from residents about even having one in the area.

“Putting two gas stations together aesthetically and traffic-wise and logistically, I just don’t think that fits what we want (for the area),” Commissioner Jeremy Givens said.

However, Scott Rozanski thought differently than most commissioners.

“Having them in the same location will eliminate them from being anywhere else,” he said.

Rozanski and Chairman Greg Cotton were the only commissioners to vote in favor of the conditional use permit.

The convenience store will still go to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen for review. 

Commissioners unanimously approved Lenox Gardens, which includes 46 lots northeast of Fleming Road and East Shelby Drive. The board deferred the item after its December meeting so the town engineer could review drainage concerns.

In December, commissioners and staff noted water could cover Fleming Road during heavy rains. No negative impacts are expected on the site or to those nearby and a detention pond is planned for the site. Once the development is built, the amount of water run-off is expected to be the same or less than current amounts.