Susanville City Council Moves Forward on Long-Awaited Love’s Travel Stop Project
SUSANVILLE — After years of planning and discussion dating back to Mayor Quincy McCourt’s tenure, the vision for a travel stop on Highway 36 at the east end of Susanville is finally advancing.
At its April 15 meeting, the Susanville City Council unanimously approved several key resolutions to move the Love’s Travel Stop project forward. Actions included certifying the Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR), approving amendments to the General Plan Map to designate the site as General Commercial/Shopping Center, and approving architectural and site plans. The council also initiated the annexation process for the property, authorizing the city manager to submit an application to the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo).
Love’s representative Anthony Beavers shared that the company, founded in Oklahoma in 1964, operates 665 travel stops across 43 states. The Susanville location will feature Love’s newest design and is expected to primarily serve four-wheeled vehicles, with a designated truck parking area to keep large vehicles off local streets during Highway 395 closures and serve as a staging area during emergencies. The stop will also include parking for RV campers who may stay up to three days. Additionally, the travel stop will feature an Arby’s and Dunkin’ Donuts.
Regarding fuel pricing, Beavers explained that gas purchases are managed by Love’s corporate office in Houston, sourcing fuel likely from nearby Fernley or Reno, Nevada. Groundbreaking is anticipated in late 2027, allowing time for necessary approvals from Caltrans.
Public comments reflected a range of opinions. Longtime resident Martin Balding expressed concerns about competition with existing local businesses and the impact on Susanville’s natural environment. A local gas station owner raised worries about competing with the Casino station, which does not pay gas taxes. Others feared the travel stop could harm small Main Street businesses and attract crime and homelessness.
Conversely, Lassen County Supervisor Gary Bridges voiced support, citing the potential for increased tax revenue benefiting both the city and county. Several residents raised concerns about insufficient public outreach and notification, with some questioning the project’s water usage—estimated at 7,000 gallons daily—especially amid drought conditions. Adjacent property owners also expressed frustration over a lack of direct communication from city officials.
City Manager Dan Newton acknowledged that while property owners within 300 feet of the travel stop were notified, others near the larger parcel were not. He confirmed the city hired the
