Convenience store project wins appeal

A planned new convenience store—and its gas pumps—near Seneca cleared a government hurdle when it was granted a zoning variance during a public hearing held by the Oconee Board of Zoning Appeals.  The appeals board approved a variance from a 25-foot setback requirement from the right-of-way that will allow light poles and underground storage tanks.  The location is an existing concrete pad at 1631 Sandifer Boulevard, across from Murphy’s Oil on 123.  Blake Loudermilk spoke in favor of the project, and no one spoke in opposition.  Jim Codner, board chairman, said approving a variance for storage tanks is something the board has done before.