WESTBROOK – Gas stations, convenience stores and restaurants may line County Road in the next few years if proposed new zoning rules are approved.

The Westbrook City Council voted Monday to hold a public hearing next month on a new overlay zone on County Road allowing commercial industries to move into the area.

“We do need to provide convenience services to employees out there,” said Molly Just, city planner.

Bill Baker, Westbrook’s assistant city administrator for business and community relations, said the new zone came about because of open house meetings he held with business owners across the city last fall. He heard repeatedly from employers in the industrial park that they needed more services in that section of town for their employees.

“We identified certain conveniences and services, like being able to gas up their cars and grabbing a quick sandwich during their lunch break,” said Jerre Bryant, city administrator.

Just said the overlay zone would run along County Road, but bypass the Spring Street area so nothing like a gas station or other high-traffic business could be built within 700 feet, a little over two football fields’ distance, on either direction of the intersection.

The County Road-Spring Street intersection was closed for a brief time in 2008 for repavement and improvements to decrease congestion. Just said the city did not want to hinder those improvements.

Councilor Paul Emery expressed concerns about building up a wet area with a history of runoff problems.

There are five industrial parks in the County Road Industrial District, but according to the 2000 Westbrook Comprehensive Plan, the area was built on poor quality land.

Eric Dudley, city engineer, said Long Creek Watershed Management District would review and address any storm water impacts in the area.

A public hearing and vote to determine whether to add the new zone will be held on March 4 during the City Council meeting.