SPANISH FORT, Ala.—A 4,000-square-foot convenience store could be on tap for the southeast corner of U.S. Highway 31 and Eastern Shore Boulevard if the Planning Commission signs off on all three phases of the developer’s request for the project.

Developer Paul Moore, president of Bay Shores Oil Inc. and Twin Oaks Co. Inc., told the commission during its work session Monday night he has never attempted a convenience store project of this magnitude, but he is excited about the prospect because it will provide a high-traffic area with needed services.

The five-pump station would also include 4,000 square feet of convenience store space including a full kitchen, Moore said.

The three-pronged request is asking for land-use approval as well as preliminary and final subdivision plat approval  and site plan approval.

Several commissioners raised questions of the possibility of increasing traffic near Rockwell Elementary School, but Moore said the opposite should actually be the case.

“We build convenience stores based on the people who are already there,” he said, adding, “I’m not going to say it won’t increase 1 or 2 percent, but it’s certainly not going to be a destination spot.”

The commission will also consider preliminary master planned unit development approval for a 96-lot subdivision south of Old Highway 31, near the easternmost intersection with U.S. Highway 31.

The Planning Commission will have a 6 p.m. work session Monday, April 13 followed immediately by the regularly scheduled meeting at 6:30 p.m.