Gas station would be a big mistake
To the Editor:
I used to go to the old Jack the Dipper building between Cullowhee and Sylva. It was a produce stand at the time; the fellow running it sold great watermelons. Traffic was usually a problem (the spot is at the bottom of a hill, there are two intersections, a bend, a left turn lane, and a bridge). If things were too hectic, I just kept going rather than skid to a screeching halt.
Crashes were fairly common on that busy stretch of road. The most memorable one was right in front of the produce stand. A cop from Western Carolina University was dealing with about 10 crazy people after a fender-bender. She looked miserable in her bullet proof vest trying to prevent further mayhem and keep the crazies out of the road.
Some developers and investors want to put a Mobil gas station on this spot. They all know the traffic situation; anyone standing there at noon can tell it is dangerous. The temptation to sell gas, beer and cigarettes is winning out. I am sure there will be traffic crashes associated with this project. When things go to court, I hope judges sock it to the developers, investors, Mobil Oil and the Jackson County government for putting a gas station in a spot better suited for a guardrail.
Chris Bogardus
Cullowhee
