Spartan - We can agree on this, we both want Western to advance from its current patchwork of good businesses vs bad. Hopefully some developers will see some potential and start tearing down the derelict buildings. I think CHK might just be that developer and based on previous projects that CHK has done, I have some hope in this. But, a gas station is definitely not my first choice. Sometimes we have to take baby steps in the right direction though. So, if that means tearing down the old car wash and crappy gas station to build something nicer, then alright. Maybe it will inspire those to the south to get their act together and really start developing the area.

I am actually shocked that the neighborhood behind the gas station is allowing this to happen. When I was working at CVS and they were discussing building a new store (the new one at 50th and Shartel) Walgreens was talking about building a store at 50th and Western. Well, the residents in the area surrounding the proposed Walgreens banded together and said we don't want that or need that. They stopped the project. I am kinda surprised that a larger gas station is ok with them.

Are you familiar with Seattle? Specifically Ballard? I just visited last spring and couldn't help but think this was the type of area that Western could someday develop into. Local shops, a farmers market and some residential (apartments and condos above the restaurants and shops). Anyway, I will stop derailing the CHK thread and stop talking about Western.