Despite resident concerns, Highland City Council unanimously approves new gas station

A new gas station is going forward on property newly annexed to the city, over protests of some residents.

The 22-acre property is owned by Tut Properties Inc. and the petition for annexation was signed by Surjit “Sunny” Tut. The Highland City Council’s votes Monday, Dec. 6, approved the annexation and rezoning of the property to industrial use so that Tut Properties could construct an industrial park for commercial and light industrial uses, including a truck stop at the intersection of Veterans Honor Parkway and St. Rose Road.

The application indicated it would not be “a traditional truck stop,” but needed to be designated as such for the proper permits. The facility will consist of 12 standard gas pumps and one commercial truck diesel lane, with a convenience store. Tut’s application letter indicated there would be no overnight truck parking, showers, diner or other such amenities.

“This amenity is needed in this area, and it will not create excess noise, traffic, crime or other concerns,” Tut wrote. “It will have a high standard of design.”

In addition, Tut wrote, the truck stop will add business and generate tax revenue for the city.

“It’s a big relief,” Tut said after the council approved the project. “We’ve owned that ground for a while, paying taxes on it.”

Tut already owns a Conoco station in Highland and a few other gas stations and convenience stores in Carlyle and Trenton. He said Highland needed a gas station on the opposite side of town on a bigger lot to allow trucks and campers to fill up, which may also reduce traffic on the other side of town as so many people must drive there to fill up their cars. In addition, many of the gas stations in town are older and their technology is outdated, he said.

Several residents had spoken against the proposed use in recent council meetings, citing concerns with traffic and property values, and there were lengthy debates on the Highland community Facebook page. But the council members said they could find no evidence the station would have any negative impact on other properties.

“Some people just don’t want change,” Tut said. “I think people will be happy after it goes through.”

Councilman John Hipskind said the decision was easy.

“The city expanded Veterans Parkway to encourage development in that area,” he said. “I listened to the concerns raised, but did not find them in line with what we have experienced with other gas stations near neighborhoods. I commend the Tuts for their willingness to reinvest back in their community.”

Peggy Bellm pointed out Tut did not have to annex the property in order to construct this facility, and would not have been subject to Highland ordinances at all.

“The owner of that property could do just about anything on that property and the city could do nothing about it,” she said.

Hipskind said he was pleased with the debate.

“Although, I think at times, passion overtook reason and some comments could have been articulated differently or left unsaid,” he said.

Unanimous vote; when will construction begin?

The planning and zoning board recommended approval after a hearing Dec. 1. The property had been zoned for single family residential, but currently was vacant land with part agricultural use.

“I haven’t heard anything that says this will be detrimental to Highland,” Bellm said.

The council’s vote was unanimous.

Tut said the plans are being finalized and they expect to go out for bids shortly. Construction may begin in a few months, he said.

This story was originally published December 13, 2021 at 12:04 PM.