Approval of Costco DEIS Delayed Following New Gas Station Plan
By David Propper
In its plan to have a fueling station on its ground as part of a proposed retail store, Costco Wholesale Club representatives brought an updated version of the draft environmental impact statement to the Yorktown Planning Board meeting last week.
Costco originally wanted the fueling station to be located on the southwest corner as part of the 151,092-square-foot property, but in its newest plan had it on the opposite side in the southeast corner. The station would be for members only on 3200 Crompond Road, just off of the Taconic State Parkway.
Nick Panayotou, principal of land development for TRC Engineers, said the relocation had multiple benefits from Costco’s original plan. By having the fueling station on the east side, he said it would be farther away from a residential area and away from the store’s main parking area. In addition, Panayotou said the traffic circulation would also be improved from the new site for the fueling station.
Costco, which has another retail store and fueling station in New Rochelle, had prices at $3.79 for regular gas over the weekend, which was 10 to 30 cents cheaper per gallon than surrounding area gas stations.
Another point discussed with the planning board was the possibility to work with New York State to increase storm water runoff more than what was already designed. With the state owning land to the north of the proposed Costco site, Panayotou hoped the additional use of land would decrease the downstream effect.
Near the end of the discussion, which lasted significantly longer than any other proposal during the regular session, Al Capellini, the attorney for Costco, asked for the approval of the newly minted DEIS. He cited that the previous issues had been handled in the revised version. However, board member John Flynn responded by stating the board needs more time to go over the material before rendering a decision. Flynn was filling in for Chairman Richard Don.
The project has been in the works and discussed for about 18 months and a decision from the planning board could come as early as the next board meeting, which is scheduled for Sept. 10.
