Handout - Lorraine Smith -i "rt
**RETURN PETITION TO BEACH DINER**
PETITION TO OPPOSE GATE GASOLINE STATION AND CONVENIENCE STORE
Gate Petroleum is planning to build a 14-pump gasoline station and 6400 square-foot
convenience store next to the Beach Diner and across the street from the SaltAir neighborhood in
Atlantic Beach. Gate has already filed for a permit but it has not yet been approved by the city
officials. We are opposing this permit and the construction of a gas station of any type because
of the devastating and negative impact it will have on our community.
• Dangerous Traffic Problems— Sturdivant Avenue is a narrow residential street used by
many children and adults on foot, bikes and skateboards as a path to the beach and Town
Center. Atlantic Beach Elementary School and Community Presbyterian Pre-K School
are both only a block away from this proposed gas station. Oil tankers, delivery trucks
and additional vehicles should not be traveling on this residential street. Sturdivant is
already congested and more traffic would be unsafe for everyone, especially for
pedestrians. Atlantic Boulevard is already congested from heavy traffic, and oil tankers
and delivery trucks turning into the property would create a very serious safety hazard.
• Environment—Hazardous gasoline released into the soil, ground water and air will be
very dangerous to the health of residents, especially children.
• Crime 24 x 7—Convenience stores are known for their high rate of robberies and
homicides. In addition, they can be a haven for transients. We do not need to bring those
negative influences into our community.
• Property Values—Homeowners across the street and behind this proposed station will
see their property values dramatically reduced.
• Threat to Local Businesses—A mega convenience store will negatively impact the
smaller local businesses. Small businesses in the area include the Beach Diner, Ohana
Hawaiian Shaved Ice,A&J's Old Fashioned Ice Cream, Davinci's Pizza, and the S L
Food Mart and King Food convenience stores. Two gas stations Mobil and Shell are
already located within three blocks of this proposed gas station.
• Character of Community—Atlantic Beach is a beautiful and quiet seaside community
and its character needs to be preserved for us and our children and grandchildren.
The City of Atlantic Beach residents deserve to be protected by their Mayor and City
Commissioners. These officials were elected to represent us, and they are required by City Code
to protect the safety, health and well-being of their citizens. A large gas station just four blocks
from the ocean is definitely not in the best interest of our town. Help us to protect and preserve
the environment and beauty of our seaside community!
PLEASE SIGN THIS PETITION to show your opposition to the Gate permit and proposed
14-pump mega gasoline station and 6400 square-foot convenience store. For more information,
go to www.facebook.com/atlanticbeachcares/
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