More Shell Dispensers Equals More Traffic, Land Use Chair Says

With Bedminster Land Use Board members expressing concerns about an increase in traffic, representatives with the landlord at 1525 Route 206 in Bedminster asked Thursday for an extension on their application to add more dispensers to the Shell Gas Station.

The application included the addition of two dispensers to the gas station, increasing the size of the Dunkin' Donuts on the property and adding LED-lighted signs to display gas prices.

John Palus, site engineer for the application, said the gas station would be able to fuel more cars at one time, which would get them on the site and off faster.

“And those that do come, we can reduce the queues,” he said. “The recommendation is to put signs to direct the flow, and people are directed to the west side of the building to get gas and then out into the one-way traffic flow.”

But Land Use Board Chairman Lance Boxer said he does not understand how that would work.

“It is almost counter-intuitive to think, given what I see, that any more dispensers are going to help,” he said. “It seems like it won’t because there are already a lot of cars.”

“I know you guys are trying to get us to understand there are improvements, but I find this very difficult,” he added. “What you’re proposing is counter-intuitive to what is going to help.”

Palus said this is actually a substantial improvement, as they are trying to improve the area with the existing conditions.

“We’re adding two dispensers and adding the islands a couple feet west for the dispensers,” he said. “Eight cars can fuel at the same time today. I don’t believe we’re intensifying the use for the site.”

“By adding the dispensers, it allows you to get the business that is there out more quickly,” he added.

Paul Henderson, on Lamington Road, said he considers the area to already be unsafe, and he believes more business will make it worse.

“Cars are coming off the light and then stopping dead on Route 206 to make a left into the gas station,” he said. “The current configuration of the egress is such that it is an extremely difficult turn to make currently. It’s a daredevil maneuver.”

In addition, Palus said, the applicant is proposing a sign with LED price points for gasoline, preferably white lights as requested by the township.

Palus said they are requesting a total of five signs for the property, but they are, together, smaller than what is required for one sign.

But Boxer questioned the need for so many.

“Why do you need five signs?” he asked. “You have this corner, everyone knows this area, how many possible angles can you look at?”

Henderson said he is appalled by the possibility of LED sign lighting showing gas prices day and night.

“The environmental commission went to pains saving space over there,” he said. “The light on the site now is currently higher than what is allowed.”

David Springsteen, architect for the applicant, said they are planning to take the office of the site and put it where one of the repair bays currently stands. The extra space left by moving that office, he said, will be given to Dunkin Donuts.

“Dunkin will capture the space to give them better circulation,” he said. “It gives them counter space.”

But Boxer said he still doesn’t understand how this won’t mean more cars and more traffic.

“You wouldn’t double the size of a business if you didn’t expect more revenue,” he said. “Ultimately you are looking for more revenue, otherwise you wouldn’t go into the large expense.”

Boxer said he understands the plans might work technically, but he doesn’t see how they would be good for the area.

“This is a site that has amazing constraints,” he said. “The thesis that you are presenting, while it may work technically, for me it doesn’t work at all. You say it’s not an intensification, I say otherwise.”

The applicant opted to relook at its plans, and work with township officials, and is scheduled to return to the board May 9.