Planning Commission OKs Emerald Bay Road Gas Station

Submitted by Editor on Thu, 09/08/2011 - 4:36pm

By the Tahoe Business Monitor
The South Lake Tahoe Planning Commission voted 4-0 this week to approve the "Raley's Aisle 1" gas station, convenience store and car wash.

"It's an excellent project," said commission Chairwoman Joy Curry. "We've been looking at that eyesore for years," she added, referring to the Shell gas station that had been vacant since 2003 and was torn down this week.

The project would replace the vacant service station at 1020 Emerald Bay Road, next to the Raley’s supermarket, which was recently demolished.

Commissioners expressed concern that cars waiting to refuel during peak Sunday travel times might back up onto Emerald Bay Road, snarling traffic heading west out of town.

But project representatives said motorists would be able to use another entrance to the gas station to avoid lining up on the street while they wait for a pump.

Besides the project representatives, no members of the public commented on the project during the hearing.

The Planning Commission's approval is final unless someone appeals the decision to the City Council within five business days. The new gas station could be completed as soon as February, depending on weather.