While I feel a large gas station is a deeply inappropriate use that does not serve our residents nor county tax-revenue coffers, I am not anti-development. Along those lines, I would also hope that elected officials can encourage Caves Valley Partners or others (what is the bid status of these projects anyway?) to pursue another use/project on that site. Elected officials should also further pressure Caves Valley to resolve the debacle at the other gateway locale–currently a mass of rubble. The problems at Towson Row, including the underground bedrock surprise, do not bold well for this one–which relies on putting underground gasoline tanks where they are not allowed under zoning and do not belong.

Also, any needed mitigation I would suggest in terms of tree buffers, no 24-hour lighting and service, traffic consideration and developer-financed alleviation, as well as walkability factors, etc. would apply to any other project on that site as well. I’m afraid even those PUD amendments would not solve the severe issues the Royal Farms gas station would create. (I’m a fan of RoFo, but wish they would consider the nearby school children–within 1,000 feet of the gas station in violation of EPA guidelines, as well as the church and neighborhoods just blocks away). Such consideration is the cornerstone of smart development, much like the kind Bethesda would pursue, according to that vibrant city’s Master Plan, updated last year. Here is info and check out the walkability-oriented pics: http://montgomeryplanning.org/planning/communities/area-1/bethesda-downtown-plan/
If Towson is going to keep comparing itself to Bethesda, then let’s do it right.

Everyone, including developers that I believe live in this county, needs to step up and look at the long-term future impact of this mega-gas station, not a quick turnaround in profits or payment. To the community, keep fighting and contacting the council and executives’ office. To our elected officials, please don’t let pressure to move forward lock in a project we all will regret for many years to come.