Christopher Lapine, representing the Chazen Companies, returned on July 21 before the Town of Newburgh Planning Board for the project known as Gasland Petroleum which is proposed at Fifth Ave. and Route 52. The project proposed the demolition and expansion of a half acre property into a new commercial gas station/convenience store.

The current site is 15,000 square feet and the proposal seeks to expand the commercial footprint to 23,000 square feet. The site will include an interior restroom facility, an increased cooling space for products and a grab and go style deli. The proposed project will look to increase traffic and pedestrian circulation in the site.

The planning board had raised concerns about the traffic impact along Fifth Avenue and Route 52 due to the tanker trucks delivering to the site which could cause backup.

According to Lapine, Gasland Petroleum utilizes their own set of trucks that are designed to navigate tight areas to address those concerns about traffic interference.

However, the concern about maintaining the use of Gasland trucks rather than other types raises questions about enforcement. After further consideration and discussion on the project, the planning board approved and set a public hearing at Newburgh Town Hall for August 18.