In the October 20 edition of The Winchester Star, it was reported that the Planning Commission had recommended, by a vote of 4 to 3, approval of a 16-pump gas station and convenience store at the 1721 Amherst St. The gas station would be sandwiched between the CVS (1725 Amherst) and a medical complex (1705 Amherst) that shares its parking lot with the adjacent Catholic school; Additionally, the Catholic school’s playground is located directly behind the proposed gas station. Additionally, this proposed location is across from various medical offices, churches and banks and is adjacent to the grounds of Winchester Hospital.
Placing a large-scale business in this pristine area of Winchester would be a travesty for many reasons. The potentially dangerous business should not be there. Any potential spill would adversely affect all activities in the area. The west side of Winchester is intended for medical and residential activities and support services, not large commercial businesses with hazardous goods.
Also, the station would be an eyesore to anyone walking down the west entrance of Amherst/Route 50 to our beautiful historic city. For years, Winchester has tried to improve the various entrance corridors to the historic part of town, and a full-scale gas station and convenience store would certainly be a step back on Amherst’s approach to town. The proposed gas station would be an eyesore with its 16 gas pumps and large glass roof.
There is also the consideration of need. There is a large Shell gas station and convenience store (7-Eleven) located on Route 50 west of Bypass 37, which is only 0.6 miles west of the proposed development, and there is an Exxon gas station and convenience store (Handy Mart) 1 mile east of the proposed development just past the Amherst/Boscawen split.
There is no need for a gas station next to Amherst CVS, Medical Building and Catholic Church. Gas stations should be among similar businesses, not in the middle of, or adjacent to, medical offices, schools (Catholic and James Wood Middle School), churches, children’s playgrounds, and residential housing estates from WMC Hospital.
I urge the Winchester Planning Commission to rescind its recommendation for approval. Don’t ruin Winchester’s western gateway corridor with a large commercial establishment inside the western city limits.
Dale Williams is a resident of Frederick County.
