Your car might not have to survive on fumes for those extra few
miles anymore around San Juan Bautista because a gas station is
preparing to open at the former 76 location that closed nearly two
years ago. The applicant has gained all the necessary approvals
from San Juan’s planning commission to open a Valero gas station
and convenient store at the same location as the former 76.
HOLLISTER
Your car might not have to survive on fumes for those extra few miles anymore around San Juan Bautista because a gas station is preparing to open at the former 76 location that closed nearly two years ago.
The former gas station at the corner of Monterey and Muckelemi streets, the only one in San Juan Bautista during its 17 years in business, closed in July 2007. Residents and passing travelers have been forced to either plan their gas fill-ups around trips to other cities or hope – and perhaps pray – their vehicles could make it to the next stop.
Kashmiri Bhatia of Salinas, however, has gained all the necessary approvals from San Juan’s planning commission to open a Valero gas station and convenient store at the same location as the former 76, said Matthew Sundt, the city’s contracted planner.
Sundt said there is no timeline for the opening but he expects it won’t be long.
“They are doing the work to get it open as soon as possible,” he said.
The matter doesn’t require council approval, said Sundt, who added that Bhatia plans to reopen a car wash there, too.
“So far, everything is staying the same,” Sundt said.
The same, as in the same as two years ago. In the meantime, it has been quite an exhausting wait for locals.
“Everybody in San Juan is pleased there (will be) a gas station,” said Supervisor Anthony Botelho, who lives in that area. “I’m happy to see it coming. That’s the only thing I can say.”
Most residents are aware the gas station is on the way because there is a sign along Highway 156 noting how the Valero gas station is coming soon. Sundt pointed out that the applicant had to get county approval for the sign because it is on San Benito County property.
