Neighborhoods prevail in first round against Maverick plans for gas station on former Whole Foods site

A city zoning official has denied petitions that would allow a new gas station and convenience store to be built at Carlisle Boulevard and Indian School Road.

Zoning Hearing Examiner Robert Lucero announced his decision Thursday morning. Maverik, which already owns the property, had sought a conditional use permit to allow the store to be built and a variance to allow a second driveway.

The proposal faced heavy opposition from a coalition of neighborhood associations concerned about traffic, pollution, and possible crime, as well as redundancy of services, with three existing fuel stations within a half-mile of the site. 

“We expected this, given the arguments we put forth, and the preliminary recommendation by ABQ planning department,” said Eric Kruger of the North Campus Neighborhood Association (NCNA). “And we are very pleased with the coverage by the local media, and the ability for local neighborhood associations and residents to play a role in the development of the city.”

In his written decision, Lucero wrote that more than 400 letters of opposition were submitted by residents of nearby neighborhoods.

Among his findings were that the applicant did not meet evidentiary requirements that the project is consistent with the city’s comprehensive plan and would “not create material adverse impacts on other land in the surrounding area,” and that benefits of the project would outweigh the expected impacts.

“Evidence in the record points out that, based on the Institute of Transportations Engineers (ITE) Trip Generation Manual, the proposed convenience store with gas station use would generate roughly double the peak hour vehicle trips than the prior supermarket use formerly located on the subject property,” Lucero wrote.

The site was a Whole Foods store, but the retailer moved into a larger space across the street in 2024.

The North Campus Neighborhood Association sent a statement later in the morning applauding the effort by the dozens of opponents who gave comments before and during the March 17 public hearing.

“Great work everyone and thank you for helping tell Maverik no,” the statement said.

Maverik has until April 16 to appeal the decision to the City Council.