ROCK SPRINGS – In 2013, a new proposed Kum N Go was approved by the Rock Springs Planning and Zoning Commission. The location will be built on the corner of Reagan and Foothill near the Preserve Apartments.

On Wednesday, the project went through a change to the store’s blueprint. The changes include a Fresh Market Food options section that will include fresh deli sandwiches and the like.

Due to the amount of changes made to the original plans, new plans needed to be approved by the Rock Springs Planning and Zoning Commission. The original plans were approved on Aug. 14 of 2013.

The updated plans will decrease the number of gas pumps. Representative for the project Josh Erramouspe also pointed out during the discussion that the original plan had a diesel island that has also been removed.

“We are truly a neighborhood convenience store,” — Josh Erramouspe

To fill the space freed up by removing the pumps, the new Kum N Go will feature a cafeteria seating area with 29 seats. City Planner Jennifer Shields stressed this was not going to be a fast-food restaurant.

Erramouspe explained Kum N Go has been working on a new marketing strategy which will feature its fresh market foods. While one half of the store will look like a normal convenience store, the other half will feature fresh market choices while allowing folks to sit and enjoy.

In 2005, this property was rezoned by the city from residential to business. In 2008, the zoning was again changed from a B-1 zoning to a B-2 zoning. The city council at that time also approved an addition which would allow gas stations as a permitted use in a B-2 community development zone.

Shields gave a brief history to make residents and the board aware this property has been zoned business for approximately 10 years.

There was no public comment made at the meeting but the city did receive a letter in the mail from a resident who owns property across from the proposed development on Tyler Street. The letter stated the area for the development is a terrible location and will cause traffic  issues, noise issues, air pollutants from fumes and 24 hour lights which will impact neighboring residents.

The resident said in her letter she felt a better location would be up by Stagecoach.

While Erramouspe agreed Stagecoach would have been a great place, it was not possible. He said it will not likely draw more traffic to the area and will be mainly vehicles which are already in the area. As for the lights, Erramouspe explained Kum N Go uses focused LED lighting to control the stream. It was also noted the city has processes in place to make sure lighting does not impact neighboring properties.

As for the vapors, Erramouspe explained when a gas drop happens, there is a recovery system in place which captures 95 percent of the fumes and puts them back in the truck. The remaining vapors dispersed above the canopy.

Shields also noted to the board, the proposed development is surrounded by garages of the Preserve Apartments. She said this actually makes a good buffer from the store from the internal workings of the apartment complex.

Shields lives next to the Elk Street Kum N Go and said traffic can get congested at times. She said that was why she was happy when  this originally went through because it was a lot more spaciousness than the Elk Street and Ninth Street locations.

Board Commissioner Paul Legerski questioned the group about landscaping. He said one-third of the proposed landscaping was rock and was concerned about trash blowing in the area. Shields said she spoke with Kum N Go officials several times about landscaping. Because of the trouble with seed taking in the area, they were given the option of sod or rock. She said the city felt this was better than nothing. However, Shields said landscaping will need to be in place before an occupancy permit is granted.

Erramouspe said from what he understands once construction on these buildings start it moves quickly. He said he is also looking forward to seeing what the new Kum N Go stores will look like. He has not seen a newly constructed store in person yet.