Long-Empty Corner Gas Station Seeks Future

The lot at the corner of Piper Street and Healdsburg Avenue has been vacant for some time now. Situated on a prime location on Healdsburg's main street, there has been speculation as to what type of use might be appropriate there.

Formerly Cook's 76 station, the lot has been fenced off and the building vacant for about five years. Healdsburg residents have voiced some tentative opinions as to what they would like to see replace it. One resident commented, "It was a service station before; wouldn't it be easy to put in another one?"

Another opinion offered was, "Healdsburg could use a good low-to-medium price restaurant, like a Mary's Pizza Shack or Applebee's. Not necessarily one of those, but something like that."

Another long-time resident bemoaned the absence of a bowling alley, noting that he spent more than a little time frequenting the old bowling alley located just down Healdsburg Avenue (currently the parking lot north of Mitchell Lane) until it burned down in the late 1970s.

Mayor Gary Plass observed that, while there has been some discussion about possible development of the site, nothing has been formally presented. "One local group floated the possibility of a hotel," Plass commented, "but nothing ever came of it. There has also been a proposal for a wine oriented project, but there are some parking issues to consider."

Since nothing has been formally proposed, what would you like to see in this location? Should it be something community-oriented, or tourist-related? Retail, commercial, or possibly a community center?

Let us know you opinion and tell us why you think your idea is the best.