The site plan for a proposed Casey’s General Store at the corner of Main and Union Street in Pella has been denied by the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission.

A motion that would have conditionally approved the measure failed on a 4-6 vote yes to no Monday night. That condition would have granted a permit to Casey’s to build only if the Pella City Council would have amended the comprehensive plan approved in 2014 to match it to the currently commercially-zoned property.

Citizens were able to speak, despite no previously scheduled public hearing. Nearly a dozen neighbors stressed their disapproval of the site plan due to its potentially negative impact on real estate values, lack of conformity to the comprehensive plan and adjacent neighborhood, and safety issues, among other concerns. A safety report filed by the city engineer deemed the operation to be safe, if approved.

Casey’s representatives in attendance felt there was no need for the city council or the Planning and Zoning Commission to refer to the comprehensive plan because the document is fluid, and there are other components adjacent to the property that they felt made the use appropriate anyways. They said the document is only a guide, and not legally binding. The representatives also argued the building legally conformed to zoning and design standards, which they felt took precedence over the plan. City staff gathered a second legal opinion, which says city boards and commissions should stick with a more strict interpretation of the comprehensive plan as approved.

Neighboorhood residents celebrated the vote by the commission following its conclusion. The convenience store chain’s legal counsel in attendance told KNIA/KRLS News they are weighing their options moving forward, and will make a decision in the near future as in how to proceed. The new store, if built, would replace the two downtown locations and the one on Oskaloosa Street.

Stay tuned to KNIA/KRLS for more from the meeting.