ZBA grants approval for Southold gas station
Plans for a gas station and convenience store in Southold can now move forward after the Southold Zoning Board of Appeals granted the applicants a special exception Thursday.
The applicant, Sukru Ilgin, previously submitted plans to convert an existing 3,476-square-foot building at the southwest corner of Route 48 and Youngs Avenue in Southold into a gas station with 12 fueling pumps, two canopies, 29 parking spaces and a convenience store.
Prior to voting unanimously to grant the special exception, ZBA Chair Leslie Weisman read several conditions the applicants must abide by, including:
• Construction must be completed in compliance with the conditions imposed by the ZBA within two years of the decision.
• Hours of operation will be limited from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Interior and exterior lighting must be turned off at 10 p.m., except for dark sky compliant security lighting.
• No franchise food concession can be established on the property.
• No further expansion of the convenience store or gas pumps will be permitted without ZBA approval.
• Cars exiting will be prohibited from making a left turn westbound on Route 48.
Last year, an updated traffic study was presented to the Planning Board to more accurately depict seasonal traffic. The entrance was also moved 20 feet west on Route 48, farther from Youngs Avenue in an effort to improve safety conditions.
First proposed in 2015, the proposal was met with disdain from community members who cited major concerns about traffic safety. A few supported the idea, saying there aren’t many fueling options along Route 48.
While pleased with the ZBA decision, Charles Cuddy, an attorney for the applicant, said after the meeting that there was still a process to go through before any work begins.
The applicants will now return before the Planning Board to seek required approvals, he said.
Photo caption: The Southold ZBA outlined several conditions Thursday. (Credit: Tara Smith)
