Lawrence Costco gas pump hearing postponed

A public hearing scheduled for Aug. 1 regarding Costco Wholesale Corp.’s request to install 22 gas pumps to their Rockaway Turnpike location was postponed until next month.

The proposal faces opposition from nearby residents, civic groups such as the Inwood Civic Association and businesses in the community that think adding the gas pumps would increase traffic volume in the already congested Rockaway Turnpike and Nassau Expressway area.

Only Costco members would be able to access the pumps which typically sell gas at prices about 10 cents cheaper, on average than brand gas stations.

Costco seeks a parking variance from the Town of Hempstead Board of Appeals. The board will now hear the request on Sept. 19 at 2 p.m. at Hempstead Town Hall at 1 Washington Street in Hempstead.