To drive from the Sunoco at 396 Monroe Turnpike to Prushko’s Shell at 536 Monroe Turnpike takes 1 minute according to MapQuest, a distance of 0.6 miles. We have 20 gas pumps in that distance, including the Mobil and Gulf stations.
Who in their right mind actually thinks we need 10 more? A Stop & Shop gas station will do nothing to help economic development — it will just add to the current traffic nightmare and work to put our four existing gas stations out of business.
Is this what Monroe wants, empty gas stations on Monroe Turnpike? Would that enhance the appearance of the town?
This Stop & Shop gas station can be compared to Walmart coming in and putting the little guy out of business.
The Planning and Zoning Commission’s job is to protect the public, the public water supply (remember that our water company, Aquarion, opposes this gas station), and the character of the town. It is up to you to do the right thing.
John Ogden is a Monroe resident.
