Planners OK proposal for truck stop

Planners OK proposal for truck stop
By Melissa Murphy/ MMurphy@TheReporter.com
Posted: 07/23/2009 01:00:59 AM PDT

A new big rig truck stop proposal for Dixon is kicking it into high gear now that the City Council will make a final decision on the project next week.

The Flying J Travel Plaza, a large truck stop proposed to be built along Pedrick Road south of Interstate 80, is in the final stages of approval.

During a final public hearing before the Planning Commission on Tuesday, city and Flying J representatives outlined the project once again.

At the end of the late night meeting, commissioners voted 6-0 in recommending approval of the development agreement to the City Council.

Commissioner Yvonne McCluskey abstained because of a possible conflict of interest.
The 27-acre travel plaza and truck stop plan includes two pump islands, a combination convenience market, truckers' lounge and restaurant, and parking for trucks, passenger vehicles and recreational vehicles.

The project, according to a staff report, also would be responsible for construction of significant infrastructure improvements for water, sewer, storm drainage and traffic circulation. It also includes building a retention/detention basin located on the east side of Pedrick Road.

Tuesday, commissioners also voted 3 to 3 on the Environmental Impact Report. Commissioners Victoria Coppes, Michael Smith and Tiffany Wing dissented.

Community Development Director Dave Dowswell said the hang up was on whether or not Flying J should be required to add a shade structure for 30 truck spaces.
Project representatives said the mitigation was unfeasible, but some planning commissioners wanted to see the structure built.

Marshal Drack, representing Flying J and CFJ properties, explained that a shade structure will only be harmful to trucks pulling into the facility, that the trucks will hit the structure and could even knock it down. Project representatives added that there is already adequate shade because of trees -- part of the landscaping agreement.

In addition, a $500 fee for idling trucks was removed from the ordinance. Dowswell said he recommended it be removed since Flying J representatives said publicly that they would enforce California's law against idling.

The Dixon City Council will vote on the matter at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the City Council Chamber, 600 East A St.