Pioneer Gas & Appliance Co. Inc. plans to install a 30,000 gallon propane tank on Riverdale Avenue by September, after securing Planning and Zoning approval for the project Thursday night.
Pioneer Gas plans to remove an existing 18,000 gallon storage tank, and replace it with the 30,000 gallon tank.
They also plan to pave the area and remove some of the other, smaller tanks stored on the site, according to owner Bill Papale.
The proposal had riled neighbors, who were worried about fire safety and environmental issues at the site. One of the most vocal opponents was Second Ward Alderman Eric McPherson, who represents the people living in the surrounding neighborhoods.
McPherson said he was disappointed by the approval and planned to write to the state fire marshal asking for an independent review of the plans.
“They made no mention of my concerns. Not a single word,” McPherson said, after the commission unanimously approved the plans.
Click here to read a past story about the concerns at the site.
“They have a responsibility to make sure the safety issues are addressed,” McPherson said. “If this was in their neighborhoods, would they have approved it?”
The tank is allowed in the industrial zone.
Pioneer has to follow flood safety guidelines, such as strapping down the tank so it can’t float away in a flood.
His plans also follow fire safety guidelines set by the National Fire Protection Association — such as locating the tank 50 feet away from school buses parked in a lot next to the property.
Attorney Stephen Bellis, who represents Papale, said the plans go above and beyond flood and fire safety guidelines.
City Fire Marshal James Tortora also approved the plans.
