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A second reading of a planned unit development (PUD) ordinance proposed by Casey’s General Store passed at the most recent city council meeting.
The vote was the same as the September 6th meeting and first reading, which is 4-to-1 in favor, with Bruce Schiebout voting against the proposal. He stated his concerns with the location and potential impact it could have on the community to move from the other three locations they plan to close. Unlike at the public hearing on the 6th, the other council members did not elaborate on their positions.
No official public hearing was scheduled, however, citizens were able to speak at the public forums book-ending the council’s regular business. The majority who spoke were against the Casey’s proposal, as has been the case in previous meetings, with many citing concerns of possible health effects of fumes, traffic impacts, and a potential conflict with the city’s comprehensive plan. There were a few comments in favor of the plan, citing property rights and potential benefits the store could have. KNIA/KRLS has also received two statements from a group called Concerned Citizens for Pella’s Future, that is encouraging the city to ultimately deny the plan, based on what they feel is a lack of conformity to the city’s comprehensive plan. They also believe the city council is “caving” to an ongoing legal case between Casey’s and the City of Pella, but the council denied those claims on September 6th.
An official city staff presentation, given by City Administrator Mike Nardini, included additional information about landscaping requirements Casey’s General Store would have to conform to if approved, including the types of plants that would be added to the property and how the fencing would work on the back side of the store. He also addressed traffic concerns by citing a study completed by an engineer the city hired to talk about the impacts the store would have on traffic. The city called the process standard procedure. Currently, no additional lanes or devices would be installed in a new store is built. Staff also believes the PUD conforms to the city’s comprehensive plan. Officially, city staff recommended approval. Based on a petition received by the city, legal counsel advised that the measure would have to pass with a super majority, or in this case, four out of five votes in the affirmative.
The ordinance will have to pass a third reading in order for Casey’s to begin construction on the property located at the corner of the 500 block of Main and 700 Union Streets in Pella. That reading is scheduled for Tuesday, October 4th at 7 p.m. If approved, Casey’s would close three other stores in Pella–including two downtown, once the new building is open. As part of the PUD, Casey’s is also required to remove pumps, tanks, and other infrastructure at the closed stores.