SAN CLEMENTE, CA — The owner of a Valero gas station here has been trying for 10 years to tear down and rebuild a new station on the same site, the San Clemente Times reported.
The April 4 story stated that the planning commission here finally voted unanimously to approve the proposal. The current plan includes demolishing the existing gas station, gas pumps and offices.
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The new business would include six gas pumps, a carwash and a larger c-store. The location would no longer offer car repairs. The new c-store would be two stories and fit with the Spanish Colonial revival architecture of the downtown neighborhood.
As part of the approval process, the business must remove its large pole sign. The owner asked to keep the sign, saying he stands to lose 30 to 40 percent of his business without a freeway sign. Instead, the location can have a smaller sign facing the freeway as part of its remodel.
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The commission added a provision to the approval that the city would be consulted on ways to minimize the potential impact of lighting. Sound dampeners will also be used in the carwash to minimize noise.
The final plan must still be approved by the city council.
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