I read with disappointment the coverage of the proposed negotiating agreement between SBA and Costco for a gas station in the heart of Goleta off Hollister Avenue. How can a high-volume Costco gas station at that location possibly be under consideration? It defies good sense.
Nightmare traffic congestion is, of course, the first objection that comes to mind. The second is Santa Barbara running roughshod over her next-door Goleta cousin once again, most likely with little or no input from Goleta citizenry and leadership, short of a lawsuit. Thirdly, what does it say about our area’s attitude towards fossil fuel dependency (which we brag and litigate about) and issues like gasoline vapor and likely leakage into groundwater resources?
Costco is usually a good neighbor but should rethink the message and concept of a proposal like this. We have plenty of gas stations, thank you very much. Airports are well-known for grabbing all the revenue they can, frequently without regard to their neighbors. SBA is no exception, and we should remember the shady deal that put the airport in the middle of Goleta Valley in the first place. Airport Director and Goleta resident Chris Hastert doesn’t have much choice in the matter but the Airport Commission does.
One hopes that revenue desperation on the part of Santa Barbara and Costco does not trample other less toxic lease opportunities for this location. Santa Barbara and Goleta have to get along. Let’s see if sensible options can prevail.
