Comments on: Century Receives $400,000 EPA Environmental Grant

By: cygie

cygie — Tue, 24 May 2016 23:44:15 +0000

How many gas stations are still open in Century? Three? How many of the 10,200 vehicles will actually stop in Century specifically for an oil change, as opposed to floorboarding it towards Pensacola? You have Quick Lube in Brewton, and Jerry’s in Atmore, with established clientele. Anything is possible. Some things are just not realistic, in my opinion.

By: Citizen

Citizen — Tue, 24 May 2016 18:17:39 +0000

@chris
Another express service is not nearby. I believe the fact that 10200 average daily traffic goes by may be significant on decisions in what may work. There are numerous gas stations.Just an idea. I have read it costs about 100k to clean up a site. Perhaps the owners, if they are still alive, could approach them and find the level necessary to bring it to EPA codes to sell rather than to be vacant and hit with fines on top of everything. With the CRA formed, if it really intend to function, changes could be forced if people continue to be irresponsible. This may be an opportunity. Good Luck

By: chris

chris — Tue, 24 May 2016 15:06:22 +0000

If you cannot keep a gas station itself alive (intersection of 29 & 4) how can you expect Jiffy Lube to locate there?

By: Retired Citizen

Retired Citizen — Tue, 24 May 2016 03:08:01 +0000

I do like what “Suggestion” said. Sites such as former gas stations and others where there are still old fuel tanks in the ground may be good places for such businesses as Grease Pro or Jiffy Lube. Perhaps the town council could contact such organizations and encourage them to set up shop here. That may provide a few job opportunities and another service to this area. I’m sure there are other types of businesses that could also operate on these sites. Cleaning up and redeveloping these sites, AND reaching out to and pulling in some new businesses into Century would certainly be worthwhile.

By: Citizen

Citizen — Tue, 24 May 2016 02:46:50 +0000

Who owns the old gas stations? Are not property owners responsible for their own property? One can look at Escambia County Property website and find the owner. At what point does the local government and federal government step in? Code enforcement is so apparently needed in Century. Will this grant money benefit an individual or city owned property?

By: Retired Citizen

Retired Citizen — Tue, 24 May 2016 02:37:42 +0000

It is great that Century and Flomaton have received this grant money from the EPA. Kudos to those involved in making this happen! It is a start but likely not enough money to do all that it is intended to do. It costs a LOT to clean, let alone redevelop, contaminated petroleum properties such as former gas stations. That’s not even counting the other types of hazardous waste contamination. I hope the money will be used wisely and that more will be forthcoming.

By: Northof9mi

Northof9mi — Tue, 24 May 2016 00:45:34 +0000

This is as seed money for Century! CITIZEN @ 11:26 am says all that needs to be said, with the exception of this…spend the funds to improve the town and the image it projects…poverty,100% to making Century a better place for all to live!!!

By: Suggestion

Suggestion — Mon, 23 May 2016 16:31:51 +0000

I have read a quick oil drive through chain like a Grease Pro or Jiffy Lube can go in on lands that were previous gas stations. Contact them or similar business…it may do well, especially if it can service large tractor trailers also. Perhaps a tire place could go in these previously contaminated sites.

By: Citizen

Citizen — Mon, 23 May 2016 16:25:41 +0000

Please spend it wisely and effectively and ensure some company is not standing there with their hand out and cheesy smile to bamboozle the town out of the funds. Hope this makes a difference and is not wasted. Please be smart about it. I am sure you have learned from the lessons of the past and know the best way to deal with a problem is SOLVE it not bury and baffle behind documentation and paperwork and politics. Hope to see GOOD positive changes!!