Stewart's Shops may be coming to East Utica after all.

At a zoning board meeting Tuesday night, the convenience store chain's proposal was approved by the City Zoning Board.

Project Manager Chuck Marshall says the new proposal will only use the existing commercial space, instead of expanding into residential zones.

He added that the new plan will include a larger 3,672 sq. ft. store and will have less landscaping and a smaller buffer between the commercial and residential properties in the area.

There will also only be three gas pumps instead of four.

Marshall said he was more optimistic this time because the zoning law is clear and Stewart's meets the criteria needed because of how long the property has sat vacant.

Stewart's was also approved for a second location in West Utica.

More From WIBX 950