Templeton Area Advisory Group begins discussion about new gas stations

Additional public meetings to be held on the subject

– The Templeton Area Advisory Group (TAAG), at its June 20 board meeting, initiated public discussion over the proposed development of two new gas station complexes in the community of 8,600 residents.

The stations are planned for both sides of Interstate 101 at the Vineyard Drive exit and would join a recently approved filling station complex as well as a longstanding station at the next exit to the north (Las Tablas Rd.).

Two dozen Templeton residents attended the meeting to voice opposition to the projects. Among the objections were:

• A strong sense that more gas stations are not needed in the community
• Traffic issues in an area that is already significantly congested at Rossi Road and Vineyard Drive
• The proposed operating hours (24 hours, 7 days a week) violate the Templeton Community Design Plan
• The proposed establishments, located close to schools, would put students at higher traffic risk; convenience stores put alcohol and cigarettes in easy reach of students
• Locations right off the freeway increase transient population and raise concern about child abduction and human trafficking

Further details about the proposed developments will be made public as the applications make their way through the planning process. TAAG will hold more public meetings on the subject.

For more information go to www.TAAGinfo.org.