Fight for Carmel gas station ends

CARMEL, Ind. (WISH) - The fight for a new gas station is over in Carmel.

The Ricker’s company wanted to put one at 146th and Gray Road. But, for months, people who live in the area fought the effort to rezone 12 acres for gas station use.

Tonight, Jay Ricker, the owner, told 24-Hour-News 8 he respects the neighbors' opinions -- and, since he didn't want to upset people who could be his customers, he decided to look for a site elsewhere. 

He found one -- about three miles east, at 146th and River Road -- in the Legacy project.  The development already has permission for a gas station. So, no council approval is required for the site. This time, it’s up to the Carmel Planning Commission.

Carmel City Councilor Eric Seidensticker said the new River Road location is “a concern to me” because of its proximity to Carmel’s water supply.  He acknowledges a gas station is not an immediate environmental risk.  But he sees it as a potential threat.  So, he questions whether it’s worth the risk to put a gas station so close to his city’s water supply.

Jay Ricker said, for safety reasons, the company always uses double-walled tanks. He said he’s confident the company can satisfy environmental requirements for the new site in Carmel.

While neighbors objected to the original site on Gray Road, others who live in Carmel will welcome a new gas station.  They have complained about a lack of gas stations in parts of the city.

Ricker expects to invest an estimated $3.5 million for the land, the tanks and the building on River Road.  He hopes to be pumping gas there before the end of the year, if the remaining approvals are granted. He also expects to open more stations in Hamilton County, adding to the 49 stores now operated by the growing Ricker’s chain.