Collierville’s Planning Commission did not hear a new request for a conditional use permit on a convenience store Thursday, June 3, and stuck with a decision it made at its last meeting.

The proposal would have transformed the Regions Bank southwest of New Byhalia and Maynard Way into a convenience store. The bank is expected to close. 

Gill Properties brought a similar request for the site to the Planning Commission in May, but it was unanimously denied. Commissioners and residents expressed concerns with traffic. Commissioners worried about drivers trying to turn left from the property.

“As a mother with a 15-year-old learning how to drive, I can’t tell you how many areas of Collierville I don’t want her to drive in,” Commissioner Cheri Kilmurray said in the May meeting.

They also had concerns with the building’s proposed driveway and its proximity to New Byhalia Road. At that time, a traffic study by Kimley-Horn recommended the driveway be moved further back on the site. However, Commissioner Jewel Jordan worried moving the drive would not improve the plan.

Nathan Bicks, town attorney, encouraged commissioners to rescind their decision if they wanted to reconsider the proposal, but commissioners said it had not changed substantially and stood by last month’s decision to deny it.

However, they recognize it is a difficult site.

Collierville Planning Commission denies convenience store

A new concept plan showed one-way traffic to the gas pumps and the driveway was moved. Three two-sided pumps would replace the current bank drive-thru.

The applicants could appeal the decision to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen. However, the recommendation of the Planning Commission to deny the project will be reviewed by the board.