Wichita City Council members have approved a rezoning that will set the stage for a planned Love’s gas station and truck stop in the north part of the city, but nearby residents are concerned about the impact of the new facility.
The rezoning approved by the Council is not for the project itself, but it allows for signage, parking and electric vehicle charging stations. The Council saw a graphic (pictured) that shows what the sign would look like at 21st Street North and I-135. With the current zoning, Love’s Travel Stop would be allowed to build a new store at that location.
Residents of the Northeast Millair Neighborhood are concerned about light pollution from the sign, along with traffic, crime and environmental issues related to the site, which was the former Coastal refinery. They voiced frustration that they were not able to speak at the Council meeting Tuesday, but the Council normally does not have public comment on these issues because a public hearing was already held by the Metropolitan Area Planning Commission.
Council member Brandon Johnson said because of concerns raised over a possible increase in crime and human trafficking, he wants the North Patrol division and the police chief to talk about proactive measures with Love’s.
