Arnold grants variance for walk-in cooler at service station

Arnold businessman Mike Thakkar received an OK from the city’s zoning hearing board Tuesday on a variance request for his 1610 Freeport Road service station/convenience store.

Thakkar, representing Yashvi Oil LLC, requested permission to build a walk-in cooler that would extend outside the rear of the building toward an adjoining property. The cooler would be entered from inside the store, but the framework would be outside the building.

The edge of the cooler would be 3 feet from the rear property line. Arnold’s rear setback ordinance mandates 16 feet.

Thakkar withdrew a request for a variance to Arnold’s off-street parking ordinance.

Yashvi Oil was denied a restaurant license by city council Oct. 11 that would have allowed Thakkar to pursue a special license to allow liquor sales.

A hearing to transfer the liquor license that had been set for Thursday, Oct. 27, was canceled. Thakkar told the zoning board Tuesday that he will strictly have a gas station/convenience store. The location is the former site of Affordable Auto Service and for many years Donati & Johasky Gulf.

A compressor serving the cooler will be placed on the building’s roof.

Residents George Poole and David Duncan had questions regarding the traffic pattern and emergency accessibility.

Zoning board chairman Anthony “Butch” Sgaglio and Cheryl Williams voted to grant the variance. Arnold’s zoning hearing board is missing a third member following the death of Keith Dziobak.

Conditions attached to the ruling include compliance with Arnold’s Uniform Construction Code and all health code measures.

No target date for the store’s opening has been set, Thakkar said after the hearing, adding that the building will not be razed and only its interior will be altered and renovated.