Signage has been removed at the Westbard Citgo gas station at 5471 Westbard Avenue in Bethesda. The demolition of the gas station hasn't really started yet; fuel pumps and tanks were removed, and the garage was cleared out, over the last few months.
It is being torn down along with the Westwood Center II mini mall to make way for an assisted-living development. I've already heard from a few readers who are lamenting the loss of the only full-serve gas lane in the area, which was patronized by senior citizens and anyone else who needed assistance filling up their vehicle. I predicted the Montgomery County Council would not address that concern back in 2014, and once again my prediction came true. However, for gas and auto repairs, Westbard Citgo II remains open for business down the street at 5335 Westbard Avenue.
I would think that someone fit enough to drive a car should be able to put a credit card in a gas pump and lift the pump onto the filler. If you are highly allergic to gasoline, you can now quite easily buy a fully electric vehicle. It seems there is zero financial sense to continue to offer fully service fueling.
ReplyDelete6:38: That's certainly an ableist argument that does not reflect the reality of drivers with disabilities or senior citizens, many of whom can operate a vehicle but would have difficulty completing the tasks you described. But I'm sure the County Council would agree with a "drop dead" message like that, as their 2016 decision in this case reflects.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous - Robert has a point regarding drivers with disabilities and senior citizens. There are those of any age who don't want to buy a fully electric vehicle for many reasons. For them it might make zero financial sense --- cost of the vehicle, cost of installing a charging station on their property or the inconvenience of finding a public charging station, cost of insurance (yes it's more expensive), etc.
ReplyDeleteGame. Set. Match.
ReplyDelete@6:38 PM: Not everyone can afford or wants an electric vehicle. Also, for people that live in condo buildings or apartments, a charging network may not be built to accommodate them charging it as part of regular ownership/parking. This is a pretty entitled and ableist view you have here, but it certainly reflects the thinking of the County Council as Robert said. Well done.
ReplyDeleteIt's a shame that Costco wasn't able to build its gas station in Wheaton. That would have kept prices down for everyone in the area.
ReplyDelete11:17 AM
ReplyDeleteReminds me of a past councilmember who organized efforts against Walmart coming to Twinbrook/North Bethesda. Data is clear that having a Walmart means Giant, Safeway, etc. have to be more competitive. Big loss of potential jobs as well.
I'm not sure what is meant by "within the area", but there are other full service gas lanes within a short drive of the Westbard Citgo for those who require them.
ReplyDelete"The loss of the only full-serve gas lane in the area"
ReplyDeleteThis is incorrect. The Bradley Liberty - the larger of the two stations, on the northwest corner of Arlington & Bradley - offers full-service for a flat fee of $7 in addition to the fuel.
Anyway, I thought you'd be happy that Hugo Chavez's brand is shutting down.
@11:17AM Now that's the best joke I've herd all year. Got anymore one-liners, knee slappers like that up your cuff linked sleeves?
ReplyDelete@12:46 PM: Oh ok then... So you're saying that Costco would have put all the other gas stations out of business by charging more than they do for its gas? The only joke here is your perspective on the effect of competition on prices.
ReplyDelete