Via Verde 76 gas station remodel

A Via Verde resident strongly opposed the expansion, recalling the years of battles over the 1,000-square-foot cap and service bays, and worried about harming the struggling Vons supermarket.

A student questioned whether the expansion truly threatens Vons, noting Vons sells hard alcohol while the gas station would stay limited to beer and wine in three coolers.

A student said the project is good for the community, noting fishermen heading to Bonelli Park and arguing the benefits outweigh the speculative drunk-driving concern.

A student who has lived in Via Verde her whole life said she'd actually stop at the remodeled store for drinks and snacks on her school commute, and her family would still do groceries at Vons.