MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Residents in the Sea Isle Park neighborhood didn't hold back concerns over crime, traffic and much more with a developer over a proposed gas station.
On Monday, Beruk Properties, Inc., said they have plans to open a gas station and convenience store in the neighborhood, located at the intersection of Quince Road and White Station Road.
A-Star Robinson with Beruk Properties, Inc. told ABC24 after hearing opposition to the project, they could reconsider the planned project.
"If you guys don't want a gas station, that's ok, that's fine," Robinson told residents. "Tell us what you want here. Do you want an ice cream shop? Do you want a steak house?
Robinson said the purpose to having an open discussion was to hear residents and stakeholder's concerns, address them, then get the community's full support.
During the meeting, nearly every single person who attended said they don't want a gas station and convenience store where the developers are proposing. It was the first time representatives met with residents since announcing their planned project.
Robinson told people who attended the meeting the proposed gas station would include a car charging station and they would hire their own armed security to control potential issues. He said they understand crime is a big issue, however they are not responsible for bringing criminals to their establishment.
Karen McConnico said she's lived in the Sea Isle neighborhood for 20 years. She said they have experience hearing promises from developers in the past.
"We've had similar situations like this in the past where the developer listened to us, took it under consideration, changed their mind and went somewhere else," McConnico said.
Robinson told ABC24 they expect to take the proposal to the Memphis and Shelby County Land Use Control Board on August 8. He said they could change their minds altogether before the meeting.
"We'll be like ok a gas station will more than likely not be the best project for this neighborhood. However, we're going to discuss what will be a good project here," he said.
Sea Isle Neighborhood Association board member Sandi Rogers hopes the developer holds up to the idea of not having a gas station at the proposed site.
"I don't know if that's true or not I hope it is because there's lots of things we would love to see on this corner, but not a convenience store and a gas station," Rogers said.
Robinson said that residents could make suggestions on what they want in their neighborhood. He said they'll reassess what could be built instead of a gas station. Robinson said they plan to meet again with residents to share ideas before the land use control board meeting next week.