Plans to redevelop the Chevron Tank Farm property will go before the San Luis Obispo Planning Commission Wednesday night.

The 320-acre parcel of land is located on Tank Farm Road between Broad and South Higuera streets.

Chevron wants to restore the land, dedicate 250 acres to open space and develop 53 acres for business and commercial use. Another 13 acres or so may be donated for youth recreation.

Wednesday night is the first time the restoration and redevelopment project will be presented to the public.

If you have lived in the area for any amount of time you know the Tank Farm land has a very rich history.

In the early 1900s, the property was owned by Unocal and used as a petroleum storage and distribution facility. In 1926, a lightning storm sparked a massive fire that lasted for five days.

During the blaze, millions of barrels of crude oil were released. A thick tar-like substance was left behind.

"Many of the impacts we see on the site today are directly attributable to the fire," said Suzanne Parker, Chevron public affairs manager.

The tanks were ultimately removed and the property was abandoned by the mid 1990s. Since then, a number of environmental studies on the soil and groundwater have been conducted. And measures have even been taken to ensure wildlife is safe from the dangers left behind from past oil operations.

"We have some netted enclosures that keep birds and small animals away from areas where they could potentially become entrapped," Parker said.

But Chevron wants to do more. The hope is to rebuild and restore the area, making it a useful and beautiful place.

"About 85 percent of this 332 acres is going to be designated open space," Parker said.

The project is in the very beginning stages. Chevron says it is working with various city and county agencies to come up with a well thought out plan that fits in with other city projects.

The public is invited to attend Wednesday night's meeting with the planning commission to ask questions or voice any concerns they may have.

The meeting starts at 7:00 p.m. and takes place at San Luis Obispo City Hall, located at 990 Palm Street.