The Pontiac Planning Commission voted unanimously Dec. 3 to approve a site plan for a new Baldwin Express automobile filling station at 1019 Baldwin Avenue, with a condition that the proposed vinyl fence be replaced by a masonry screen wall along the property’s west edge adjacent to residences.

Staff presentation: Planning staff said the combined parcel will host an eight-pump canopy with no new occupiable building; staff recommended approval with three conditions. Key outstanding items included final locations and dimensions of curb cuts (the ordinance generally limits parcels to two approaches), distances from intersections, truck-turn analyses for tanker and emergency vehicles, and masonry screening where parking abuts residential properties.

Applicant remarks: Chad Holdwick of the Amor Group said the applicant will revise plans to replace the vinyl fence with a split-face CMU masonry wall with cap and to work with engineering to reduce and consolidate curb cuts; he noted the design team provided a truck-maneuvering plan for fire and tanker trucks and said they can extend the masonry wall the full length of the west property line if required.

Public comment and technical discussion: Resident Darlene Clark asked whether a prior moratorium on service stations was still in effect; planning staff and the city attorney clarified the moratorium expired and that filling stations are allowed in C-3 zoning. Corrigan Mechanical contractor Chris Conklin told the commission tankers typically deliver 20,000–50,000 gallons and that deliveries commonly occur at night; commissioners closely examined turning templates, canopy clearance and driveway spacing before approving the plan.

Motion and conditions: Commissioner Jackson moved to approve the site plan contingent on replacing the existing vinyl fence with masonry and other standard plan amendments; Commissioner Shepherd supported the motion. The roll call vote was unanimous.

Next steps: The applicant will provide final plan revisions (masonry wall details, curb-cut distances and final truck-turn templates) to staff and the city engineer for verification prior to final permit issuance.