THIS IS A LETTER WROTE TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN PRESS, PUBLISHED ON JANUARY 24, 2008:
Car wash could bring ruin to neighborhood
Thursday, January 24, 2008 The Sun Press
To the editor:
We've been residents of University Heights for many years and live near the proposed site for the Waterway Gas and Wash Co.
We are completely opposed to the construction and operation of this type of business. We've come to love University Heights for its small community feel. A gas station/car wash does not fit what our mayor has called the "City of beautiful homes with a small town atmosphere." It is very difficult to have a beautiful home with a gas station butting up against it.
There are four other gas stations within 1.5 miles of the site as well as another car wash within a block. There are also other stores selling candy, cards and whatever else.
No matter how attractive the building is, it will still be a gas station/car wash. It will be a noisy eyesore for those who live around it and create additional traffic in an already congested area. This is a heavily traveled area for children attending Wiley Middle School.
Loitering may also be an issue since this will also be a convenience store. Property values will inevitably decline as no one will want to live in such an area. We certainly would not have bought our house had there been this type of business here then.
With gas stations comes the risk of fires, explosions and soil contamination, another safety issue because homes are in such close proximity. An ordinance passed in 1956 did not permit services accompanied by objectionable noise, fumes, odor, or so-called minute wash operations. If this doesn't qualify, we don't know what does.
We realize that in order for the city to thrive, we must welcome commerce, but to what extent are they willing to turn a blind eye to that which the community deems inappropriate and objectionable?
Brian and Sherisse Johnston
Albert and Annie Rawlinson
University Heights
2 comments:
I received a copy of this and wanted to pass it along. Seems like it's worth attending...
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Please join us for a presentation and community discussion
about Waterway and what it means for University Heights
Tuesday, January 29th
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
University Heights Public Library (13866 Cedar Road), Meeting Room A
Learn the facts about what Waterway means for your neighborhood and
University Heights
For over 35 years, Waterway has provided upscale communities with a new way of looking at the car wash industry. We provide only the highest quality of services and are deeply committed to the communities we serve.
We look forward to meeting and listening to you. Please help us spread the word to all interested and concerned University Heights residents.
"Certainly, property values will decline..." Really? Many persons live close to various retail outlets. Others live near major highways, industrial properties, airports, rail lines, you get the idea. Simply because you find a gas station objectionable doesn't mean other will too. Some folks may find the convience of a store closeby a benefit.
"... risk of explosion, fire, environmental polliution...." Maybe. But, the pumps must meet current standards and are very safe. The same applies to fire. the pumps should have automatic shut offs to prevent gas feeding an accidental fire. Pollution should be no concern because, again, the tanks will have to meet current EPA standards.
You should look at current statics. The most dangerous thing you do every day is drive your car. 40,000 people are killed in the USA from car accidents every year. Further, many accidents are caused by persons talking on the phone while driving. The flu kills thousands of persons in the USA every year.
How many gas stations blew up over the last FIVE years? How many persons died as a result?
Many people posting here need to put the torches and rope away look at the possible benefits this will bring to the community.
If you calm down, and examine this, you may change your mind.
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