COLCHESTER, Vt. -
Tired of paying too much at the pump? Costco thinks it may have the answer and has proposed installing gas pumps at the store in Colchester, Vermont. Here are the main points: Costco wants to expand the warehouse itself by 14,000 square feet. It also wants to add a six island gas station near its entrance. The gas Costco sells could be up to 22 cents cheaper per gallon.
And as many of you know, Costco is known for buying in bulk. That usually means you go home with ten bottles of ketchup, but they're bulk shopping list strategy could mean less pain at the pump. It was brought up five years ago, but never went anywhere; now it's back in the news.
If buying in bulk means 22 cents cheaper per gallon, people don't really care where their gasoline comes from, but the gas station competitors in the area sure do, and have started the appeals process.
"My SUV fills up at like $50 every time," Costco shopper, Kathy Therriault said.
That's why Therriault is supportive of the bargain warehouse expanding to include a gas station. "If I could save on gas, that would be a plus on my part," she added.
But not everyone is eager for the potential change, the nearby Shell and Mobil gas stations say traffic at the already busy intersection would get even worse. Jon Anderson, the attorney for R. L. Vallee, the Maplefields owner has appealed Costco's proposal.
"Costco traffic blocks R.L. Vallee's customers from leaving its store," Anderson said.
Anderson argues that putting a gas station at the proposed location would be an environmental issue. But the Town of Colchester's Planning and Zoning Director says there's already a draft motion of approval.
"I think there are concerns but they can be mitigated," Sarah Hadd said.
The Natural Resources Board says a thick stack of paperwork details Costco's plan to alleviate the traffic and environmental concerns. Costco is currently pursuing state permits. When I asked Anderson if this was just a competition concern. He replied, "R.L. Vallee is simply trying to have a level playing field," Anderson added.
Consumers on our Facebook page always help us out and provide us with feedback. Jeff Wetmore wrote: "It's sad the gas station owners using the swampland as an excuse! What they're worried about are their profits, not the enviroment! Pretty weak spin, guys!"
An official approval or denial should be made by the Town of Colchester on July 25th and then the case will go before the environmental court on August 1st. We will continue to keep you informed.
