BUTTE — The controversial proposal of opening a gas station next to a family-owned drive-in movie theater south of Butte is a step closer to happening.
Butte’s Zoning Board of Adjustments Thursday evening voted in favor of granting a conditional use permit to the Utah-based company Maverik to open a gas station next to the Silver Bow Twin Drive-In on German Gulch Road off Interstate 15 South.
The board voted 5-0 in favor of the gas station, despite much opposition from citizens.
The owners of the drive-in argue the gas station will force them out of business due to too much light and noise pollution and drive their customers away.