Mel's Petro-Canada expansion rejected

Charlottetown city council has voted down a proposal to expand a gas station on St. Peters Road.

The expansion to Mel's Petro-Canada would have seen a 1,200-square-foot addition to the building, another gas pump and a new parking lot with access on to Angus Drive. The expansion had been recommended by the planning board.

But council took the side of residents who are concerned about the new Angus Drive access.

"We're all in support of development but in the right location," said Coun. Melissa Hilton.

"When you're creeping into the residential neighbourhood it's a very serious cause for concern for all the residents in the neighbourhood."

One neighbour complained headlights from cars exiting onto Angus Drive would have been shining right into his living room.

'Christmas came twice'

After hearing about council's decision, residents on Angus Drive were overjoyed.

"Christmas came twice this year, thank you thank you," said Patty Good.

They will have to go back to the province and try and figure out another exit point.- planning board chair Greg Rivard

"I'm all for businesses, small businesses but this is residential. I think commercial should stay in the commercial realm and residential should be in the residential, it's just safer for everybody involved."

The Angus Drive proposal required the rezoning of two properties for the parking lot and access. The planning board report said the owner had done his due diligence on the expansion, including conducting traffic studies.

With Angus Drive access off the table, any further plans submitted by Mel's Petro-Canada will be up the province to approve.

"The province has jurisdiction over St. Peter's Road," said planning board chair Greg Rivard.

"They will have to go back to the province and try and figure out another exit point if that's what they want."

The owner of the business was not available for comment.