This remains a controversial project among smart growth advocates, due to the low-density bank proposal being inappropriate for a property steps away from a Metro station - and surrounded by high-rises in every direction.
Supposedly, the property owner is waiting it out. But waiting for what? The land is unlikely to be any more valuable than it is now, and the opportunity to seek greater height and density for the site through the Bethesda Downtown Plan has been completely squandered.
Meanwhile, expect gas prices to now rise in downtown Bethesda with one more station out of the market. Expecting to fill up downtown after a severe storm hits the area? Good luck finding a station that will have gas left. All of them ran out - including this one - during two weather events in recent years.
17 comments:
There are two relatively inexpensive gas stations on the west side of Conn. Ave., between E-W Highway and the Beltway.
Many auto manufacturers recommend Top Tier Gasoline, which Shell offers. BMW, Audi, Honda, Volkswagen and others recommend Top Tier only.
http://www.toptiergas.com/retailers/
Giant brand gas is cheap when using Giant rewards points, but it's not Top Tier.
Will there be any Top Tier stations in the downtown?
The photo shows what poor urban planning this bank project is. Single level, auto oriented drive thru bank building surrounded by high rises and our transit station.
A 10 year moratorium for new banks in ground floor retail locations in downtown Bethesda.
Dyer is coming to the rescue of confused drivers!
The Christopher Condominiums were in full-throated support of this abomination. Shame on them.
7:59 AM Before the fence went up, I've seen more than one confused person pull into the station.
8:01 AM If I lived in the Christopher, I'd support the bank as well. A big upgrade from the gas station and it delays any real development on a prime corner site for years.
@ 8:01 AM - I guess they like being able to peep in the windows of the Lionsgate. Seriously, what great view would a high-rise in that location block?
Although a one-story bank sucks in the overall vision for downtown Bethesda, I can understand why neighbors would prefer a bank to a gas station - much less noise, traffic, and noxious odors, and no weirdos hanging out panhandling so that they can buy cigarettes or overpriced junk food.
And in spite of the shrinking numbers of gas stations locally, it's not like they're overflowing with business. Only at the very cheapest stations in the area are there any lines waiting for the gas pumps.
Why would large companies want to move their HQ to Downtown Bethesda? A large educated workforce that wants to live here or drive-thru banks?
Just what this location needs with two banks located just across the street on Woodmont Avenue! Serious, how many banks does a two-block area require??!!
Welcome young people to exciting Bankthesda. Work, Live, Bank!
The banks can afford to pay the real estate tax on a scrap parcel for many years by ripping off the consumer with gouging fees. They later recoup this by selling to a future developer and reap their profits.
P.S. 7:42 Giant loyalty points will buy you "Top Tier" petrol at a discount at any Shell station. You are not required to use them at the rarely seen Giant gas station. Do the still exist?
"Anonymous Anonymous said...
Although a one-story bank sucks in the overall vision for downtown Bethesda, I can understand why neighbors would prefer a bank to a gas station - much less noise, traffic, and noxious odors, and no weirdos hanging out panhandling so that they can buy cigarettes or overpriced junk food.
8:15 AM"
That all depends on the bank, doesn't it?
So short sighted of the Christopher residents though. A very "me" oriented perspective.
We all thought Bethesda was the future/model for Montgomery County. What a waste. Banks and one story Greenhill buildings with no tenants.
#RethinkTDBank
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