UTICA — A proposal to build a Stewart’s Shops gas station and convenience store in south Utica has become a contentious topic for the Utica Common Council.

The proposed Stewart’s Shops location would be taking over the site of the former Raspberries Café at 2634 Genesee St. The proposal also calls for the purchase and demolition of a residential property on the corner of Genesee Street and Woodlawn Avenue West to create a second entrance and exit to the location.

South Utica residents have previously spoken to the council about their opposition to the proposal and have turned to Third District Councilor Celeste Friend, whose district includes the proposed Stewart’s Shop location, to assist in stopping the proposal from coming to fruition.

Friend previously introduced legislation to the council that would amend the city’s zoning ordinance to disallow new gas stations in neighborhood mixed-use districts, like south Utica.

According to Utica’s Code of Ordinances, neighborhood mixed-use districts, or NMU’s, allow for a mix of residential dwelling units, commercial services, parks and community facilities. This district reflects the walkable and historic nature of Utica’s neighborhoods. Commercial uses in the NMU district complement the dense residential neighborhoods in the adjacent residential-mixed neighborhoods.

The Scenic and Historic Preservation Commission meeting in November denied a motion to approve the demolition of the residential property on the corner of Genesee Street and Woodlawn Avenue. Officials with Stewart’s Shops continue to plan to open a store in south Utica and are hopeful that the motion to demolish the residential property will be overturned by the Planning Board.

After hearing negative feedback from Friend and some south Utica residents, Charles Marshall, a real estate representative for Stewart’s Shops, has been working to alleviate issues that residents may have.

“Stewart’s, as a company, has always been open and mindful to working with our neighbors to address concerns and mitigate any potential impacts,” Marshall said. “I think we’ve done that with some lighting changes that we made, but all we’re hearing from the opposition is ‘no Stewarts’ and, unfortunately, the land is appropriately zoned for Stewarts.”

The next Planning Board meeting is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Jan. 19 at Utica City Hall.