SIMI VALLEY : Planners Approve 24-Hour Gas Station

Despite concerns of Simi Valley residents that a proposed gas station will increase crime, noise and safety hazards in their neighborhood, the city’s Planning Commission has approved the project.

After a nearly four-hour public hearing, the commission voted 3 to 2 Wednesday to allow construction of a 24-hour Shell gas station, market and carwash next to a new McDonald’s near the Simi Valley Freeway.

Residents of the city’s Indian Hills neighborhood told the commission their neighborhood has incurred an increase in crime and traffic since the restaurant opened and that the problems would worsen if the gas station were approved.

But city planners recommended the commission approve the project, saying the station, designed to share a triangular parcel on Yosemite Avenue with the McDonald’s, meets all city codes.

Backers of the project, which was initially rejected by the commission last year, agreed to add a sound wall and help pay for a traffic signal as part of the new plan.

Opposing the plan were Commissioners Sherida Simmons and Michael Piper, both of whom previously voted against the project.

Commissioner Dave McCormick, who supported the project the first time around, again gave it his backing. He was joined by newly appointed Commissioners Robert Swoish and Dean Kunicki.

Foes of the proposal said they are not satisfied with the improvements and are considering an appeal to the City Council.

An appeal may be made within two weeks of the commission’s decision and would cost between $830 and $2,220, Deputy Planner Wolf Ascher said. The matter could also be placed on the council agenda if two members asked that it be considered.

Mayor Greg Stratton, who opposed the project when it first went before the council, said the new plan should be brought to the council.