Work is underway to build a gas station at the entrance to Bluffton’s historic Old Town.

Tuesday, the town’s Development Review Committee got details from representatives of Parker’s Convenience Store on constructing a 4,700-square-foot store with seven dual-sided fuel pumps on a 1.72 acre site.

The building, which would include a deli and 22 parking spaces, is planned for the northeast corner of Buck Island Road and S.C. 46. It would feature sidewalks on both roads to take advantage of foot and bike traffic.

Doug Hancock, a Bluffton resident who lives across from the proposed site, has concerns about the plan.

"I think it’s too big for that corner. We don’t need a truck stop there," said Hancock, who also worries about the impact on the May River.

Josh Tiller, a member of the review committee and the town’s Planning Commission, said he hopes the builders will consider a more "village type" building — perhaps featuring a large front porch — placed closer to Buck Island Road than the current proposal.

"This could be an iconic building into Old Town," he said. "It could be a unique destination if it’s done right for bikers."

Planners for the convenience store said they will take the suggestions other advisement and come back with a final plan soon. No date for that next meeting has been set.

A favorable vote by a majority of review committee members is the final step before construction on the project would begin.

For more, check back with the Island Packet or pick up a copy of tomorrow's newspaper.