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Show Farm, Council denies store-office development By GARY R. BLODGETT ; FARMINGTON The intersection of Burke Lane and Main Street one of the busiest in the city will go without a convenience store and office building because of recent action of the Farmington City Council. After weeks of study and stern opposition from more than 100 neighborhood residents, the council voted unanimously to turn down a request for the convenience store and office building. Virtually all of the opposition group spoke out at a public hearing in late April. Earlier, the city's Planning Commission had also vetoed a request for a conditional-use permit which would have allowed this type of construction in the area which is zoned "S" (special use) under the city's new master plan. This Planning Commission Commis-sion decision was under appeal by the developers. GAFCO Development Company had proposed construction of a convenience store with three gasoline pumps, a car wash, and an office and retail building at the popular site. Increased traffic problems, vehicle-pedestrian conflicts, conflicts con-flicts with the residential character of the neighborhood and violations of the city's master plan were cited as reasons for the opposition to the development. It was also noted that if so many nearby residents oppose the development, there must not be much use for the businesses being considered. |