Discussing Costco proposal at community center

Warehouse franchise seeks to install 22 gas pumps at Lawrence location

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Costco will hold a public forum at the Five Towns Community center located at 270 Lawrence Ave., in Lawrence tonight starting at 7 p.m. regarding its plan to install 22 gasoline pumps at its Lawrence location on Rockaway Turnpike.

The meeting, originally planned for earlier this month, was postponed due to Hurricane Sandy. If the plan was approved, it would the first Costco on Long Island to have gas pumps.

The Town of Hempstead Board and its Zoning Board of Appeals have heard Costco’s application for the pump installation and needed variances during this past year. The requested parking variance subtracts 163 of the store’s 822 parking stalls, which would put it under the minimum number of spaces the town requires for a store of its size.

Residents and businesses have opposed the plan. Residents and civic organization said it would create more of a hazard in an already heavily trafficked area, while the existing gas stations say their business would be harmed by Costco that typically sells gas for about 10 cents per gallon under the national average.