The Gazette has been concerned for some time about empty commercial buildings in Gardiner (Vacant Hamlet, by Patty Gandin, Special Insert, Spring 2018), so it was with pleasure that we heard of the sale of the former Gold Fox Restaurant in January.
The property, which was previously Benson’s Restaurant, was sold to CPD Energy Corp, which owns more than 200 gas and convenience stores in the Tri-State Area, one of those being the adjacent Mobil Station.
Rumors on Facebook have the Mobil Station expanding, and adding a car wash at the site, but these remain rumors. The Gazette tried several times to contact CPD founder and owner, Mickey Jamal, but was told that the owners have no plans to disclose at this time. The Gazette will continue to reach out to Mr. Jamal, and hopes to be able to keep the community informed.
The property is located in the Hamlet Commercial Zone (HC), where the only uses permitted by right—meaning that only a building permit is required—are a home occupation, or argriculture. Also permitted are bed-and-breakfasts, lodging facilities, offices, indoor recreational businesses, restaurants, retail businesses, service businesses or warehouses, but these require a site plan review by the Planning Board. Kennels, light industry, gas stations, motor vehicle repair shops, public utility facilities, outdoor recreational businesses and veterinary hospitals are permitted with a special permit.
This is good news. Since a home occupation or agriculture are unlikely, Gardiner residents should have an opportunity to comment during the Planning Board’s review of whatever is planned for the site. See Under the Radar, page 5, for ways to stay informed.