A deal that would have converted the Shell gas station on Montauk Highway in Quogue to a Hess station might be off the table after village officials requested that the new facility close at midnight.
Representatives from the Hess Corporation have insisted that the company retain control over the hours of operation of both the gas station and its adjacent convenience store. They originally requested that the facility, which would replace the current Shell station on the southeast corner of Jessup Avenue and Montauk Highway, stay open 24 hours a day, year-round.
However, Quogue Mayor George Motz said during last Friday’s Village Board meeting that many residents do not think that a 24-hour convenience store is appropriate for the village. The current Shell station closes at 8 p.m. each night.
“From our point of view, it’s a deal-breaker,” Mr. Motz said. “That was really counter to the intentions of the village.”
Hess officials could not be immediately reached for comment.
Mr. Motz noted that the Shell gas station has operated from the site for many years and it would not be a problem for village residents if the property was kept as is. “We’ve lived with it for a long period of time,” the mayor said. “If that’s the way it is, so be it.”
Earlier this month, Mr. Motz said he successfully convinced Hess officials to scale back their plans for a 16-pump gas station and build a 12-pump station instead. According to the mayor, Hess also agreed to reduce the number of parking spaces for the accompanying convenience store from more than 20 to 12 spaces on the property.
In July, the Village Board awarded the company a special permit that would allow it to sell beer from the convenience store. Initial plans also called for a Blimpie’s and Godfather’s Pizza, but Village Board members convinced Hess representatives not to offer such amenities.
Bryan Finlayson on Oct 21, 2008