Large Circle K Sent Back to Planning

Polk County commissioners sent plans for a large gas station and convenience store back to the Polk County Planning Commission after hearing public concerns that the development is too large for the area and might harm Crooked Lake.

The gas station – a Circle K is being planned By Atlantic Funding Limited – would be at the intersection of U.S. 27 and County Road 640 just outside Lake Wales. It was proposed to have 28 spaces to pump gas. There would be no overnight parking.

Residents objected to what they believe is a proposed change in that SAP – Selection Area Plan – in southeast Polk. It limits gas stations to no more than 1 acre and no more than six pumps for filling. It also limited store size to 3,000 square feet.

However, in making her case at the second Public Hearing Jan. 22, Sarah Case, representing Atlantic, said it is not seeking to change the SAP, but to bring thoughtful economic growth to the area. Atlantic and the Polk County Planning Commission had reached an agreement, however, on a 4-1 vote by commissioners it was sent it back to the Planning Commission to undergo a Level 3 site plan. Martha Santiago was the no vote. That means going through the site specifically to make sure it is within local codes. The next Planning Commission meeting is in May. That is their next move, Case, a civil engineer, said.

"It is frustrating," Case said. "Things got confusing (at the public hearing). We are not asking for anything we are not entitled to do, but I think it is the scale."

When asked the size of the area being planned by Commissioner George Lindsey, he compared it to the Publix shopping mall in Bartow. Case said that was correct.

The Planning Commission's recommendation to commissioners was a 1-acre site with a 3,000 square foot store, six pumps and at a signalized section on U.S. 27 that also has a connector road. Atlantic was seeking no parcel size limit, 5,500 square of foot store, 14 pumps of 10 primary and 4 high-speed diesel, not to exceed 5 acres and no overnight parking. The staff recommended no parcel size limit, 5,500-square-foot store, 10 pumps and at signalized intersections on U.S. 27 with a collector road.

However, Case said she believes some of the public hearing concerns were not relevant.

The proposed gas station is located in an area of the SAP where businesses are supposed to go. There was concern through the hearing about the potential damage to Crooked Lake, which the SAP protects and is permanently undevelopable.

Babson Park resident Robert Luther urged commissioners to not allow something that could harm Crooked Lake.

"Many such plans have been done across Florida and they go a piece at time. Please send a message to other developers: Polk County SAP cannot be modified at will," he said.

Lake Wales resident Jim Stevie Albert, who said he was involved in planning Lakeland for 40 years, asked commissioners to be careful in how they vote.

"The county said this place was a little special," he said. "Be careful, consider that a lot of good work went on there."

Case said harm to Crooked Lake would not happen. It has more than 60 acres of protected area surrounded by family homes.

"We are not trying to compromise the integrity of Crooked Lake. It is an absolute gem in Polk County. We are not asking for anything that has not already been approved," she said.

She added Atlantic is not asking for any modification of that.

Lisa Jensen, who said she was also speaking for five others who could not attend, asked commissioners to recommend a Level 3 site plan because this is what people in the area deserve.

"We are here today to show support for the Planning Commission position of allowing this to move forward at Level 3. We can have a site plan. We are not anti-growth but for thoughtful growth with the proper scale. We are the gateway to the Scenic Highway."

She told commissioners the residents serve because they are asked and they should take heed of their advice: "Give every consideration to support the Planning Commission's decision, this is what is most important. You asked us to serve because we know our regions and neighborhoods."

With having to go back to the Planning Commission, Case said the shopping area will likely be OK'd, but later than what had been planned.

"Hopefully we'll get to where we're going, but it's going to take time," she said.