Hundreds sign petition against proposed massive gas station Buc-ee's in St. Johns County

Neighbors in St. Johns County are outraged after hearing about plans to possibly build a massive gas station right across the street from where they live.

The Texas based chain Buc-ee's filed a pre-application to open the convenience store near World Golf Village.

"I don't want it, it's getting too congested now," neighbor Nancy Kohlbeck said.

And hundreds of people living in World Golf Village feel the same way about the Texas convenience store chain.

"Trying to be upscale and this will just kill the whole flavor of the neighborhood," neighbor Michele Thomas said.

In less than 48 hours, close to 1,000 people signed a Change.org petition to stop it from being built near their neighborhood.

"I know that development is inevitable here, but I think it's our chance to control what kind of development we have," neighbor Aaron Enos said.

Buc-ee’s filed a pre-application for the 120 gas pump station and at about 53,000 square feet, it’s about the size of a football field.

"It will drive down our property values. There's no way people will want to live near something that huge," Thomas said.

The property off Interstate 95 near World Golf Village is where the gas station would be built.

"I'm not against business, but put it in the right area," Kohlbeck said.

Some neighbors call this a sign of the unstoppable growth in St. Johns County.

"It's just progress, it’s going to happen," neighbor, Van Fuller said.

Others just wish the growth would come at a little smaller pace.

"Maybe we can have something like local businesses," Enos said.

The petition will go before county commissioners in hopes of halting the construction. Michael Ryan, Communications Manager for the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners, released the following statement on the proposed Buc-ee's station:

"We are aware of community interest in the proposed service station project, but at this point in time we are only in possession of a pre-application and have not been provided with specific details related to the project. Once an application is filed, the project will undergo development review and will be subject to land use and zoning requirements. Should the developer request variances, those items will be considered by the Board of County Commissioners, where the public will have an opportunity to provide feedback. Residents are encouraged to email or call County staff or their Commissioner with any comment they may have about this project."

Cox Media Group