Plans for a controversial gas station in West Ashley have been withdrawn by the developer, according to the City of Charleston.
The city’s Design Review Board was set to discuss the proposed development Monday evening, but the project planned to replace the former Piggly Wiggly location on Sumar Road, near the intersection of Sam Rittenberg Boulevard and Old Town Road, was pulled earlier in the day. A number of city officials have spoken out against the project, which would have included a Sunoco gas station and convenience store, as well as a large brick sign welcoming drivers to West Ashley. Last month, residents from surrounding neighborhoods filled a City Council meeting held at Founders Hall to speak out against the project, which they felt would not fit the site that many described as a “gateway” to West Ashley.
Mayor John Tecklenburg and other members of City Council called on residents to attend this evening’s meeting of the city’s Design Review Board to voice their opposition, but it appears the applicants, Faison and Associates LLC, have saved them the trouble.
“People have property rights, and if the property is zoned, they should be able to do what is allowed,” Tecklenburg told the crowd during the most recent City Council meeting. “That being said, our staff and this mayor does not support the plan for another convenience store or gas station on that site. We’ve asked Faison, respectfully, to consider other uses, and we will continue to do so.”
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