A new Maverik gas station is coming to Ceres after city leaders rejected an appeal to block the project.

The City Council voted 4 to 0 last week to approve the travel center at Mitchell and Rohde roads near Highway 99. City officials say the project will generate as much as $700,000 a year in sales tax, create about 15 jobs, and bring new amenities -- including the city's first RV dump station.

"This is not a truck stop, it's a truck refueling station or travel center," City Manager Doug Dunford said. "Get your gas, use the restroom, and go."

Opponents argued the project would bring safety issues. 

Appellant Sunny Ghai said the fueling station is too small to safely serve commercial trucks and should be located at a larger truck stop. He emphasized the appeal was not about protecting existing businesses.

"We offered to withdraw our appeal if they removed the truck fueling," Ghai said in a statement to CBS News Sacramento. "Trucks need to fuel at truck stops and not at gas stations, where an accident between a car and a truck could cause disaster."

Ceres Police Chief Trenton Johnson said his department does not anticipate higher crime or traffic problems. He pointed out the site is currently a dirt lot where police often respond to illegal vending. 

"Building this out gives people a place to go," Johnson said.

Mayor Javier Lopez said filling the long vacant lot had been a city priority. 

"We're not a monopoly," Lopez said. "We need to give other businesses and entrepreneurs the opportunity. Healthy competition is part of that."

The project could break ground as early as 2027. Ghai said he is considering a lawsuit against the city.