| Lerone Graham

lerone.graham@roanoke.com, 381-8621

BLACKSBURG -- The applicant for a new Kroger gas station addressed a handful of residents during an open forum Wednesday about the proposed business -- with traffic being the main topic.

The conditional use permit request calls for the removal of a KFC building to construct a gas station with external speakers at 830 University City Boulevard. KFC currently is in business.

Applicant Fenton Childers said the proposed site was moved from the former Blockbuster video store at 800 University City to the KFC because it will allow for better traffic flow.

Childers said there is a median break in front of the KFC that allows turns. The Blockbuster and KFC sites are owned by JRN Chicken Stores of Washington, according to the town's GIS records.

"There were a lot of concerns about U-turns and traffic for Blockbuster, so we shifted that," Childers said. "We like the [KFC] location better, and it will eliminate a lot of traffic concerns."

A traffic study will begin in mid-September to determine peak times on various days, said engineering firm Balzer and Associates Vice President Steve Semones. The traffic count will likely last from 6 a.m. to about 7 p.m., he said.

Traffic shouldn't be a huge cause for concern, because a gas station will most likely net less traffic than a drive-through restaurant, Childers said.

"Fast-food is rated for more traffic than our facility," he said.

The proposed site differs from most Kroger fuel sites in that it would not be located on the same property as the Kroger grocery store, also located on University City Boulevard. Childers said space limitations made it impossible to place a new fuel station on the Kroger property.

With the nearest Kroger fuel station located in Christiansburg, Childers said it is in high demand for Blacksburg residents hoping to take advantage of gas discounts with their Kroger card.

"Our customers are asking for us to build a fuel center," he said.

The planning commission will hold a work session on the proposal Sept. 21. A public hearing on the issue will be held Oct. 5, when a recommendation will be made. The town council will then make the final decision during a November meeting.