Vacant 'Eyesore,' Former Gas Station Demolished Off Route 206 In Montgomery

MONTGOMERY, NJ — A long-vacant gas station, called an "eyesore," was finally demolished at the corner of Route 206 and Route 518 in Montgomery Township.

"We are glad to finally move forward and see this eyesore removed from Montgomery’s busy commercial gateway," said Deputy Mayor Vince Barragan in a release on Monday.

The former Texaco gas station and auto repair shop at 1276 Route 206, Skillman was demolished on Feb. 6.

The much-awaited demolition was completed by the property owner in response to municipal actions, including notices of violation, a property maintenance judgement filed by a Montgomery Township health inspector, and a new municipal vacant property maintenance ordinance, according to the Township.

"Our township staff worked very hard for very long to ensure that this owner finally brought their property into compliance. Special thanks to our Health, Code Enforcement, Engineering, and Planning Departments, and Fire Subcode Official, who all firmly persisted," said Mayor Neena Singh.

According to the Township, the property - a former Texaco gas station and auto repair shop - had sat vacant with trees growing out of the roof while the property owner wrangled with the Montgomery Zoning Board and the NJ Department of Transportation (NJDOT) for years.

The property had wanted to build a Dunkin drive-thru at the location but was denied a zoning variance due to safety concerns. The application proposed an exit allowing left-hand turning out onto Route 518, which would cause traffic back-ups and a hazardous traffic situation, according to the Township.

Lawsuits were filed against the Township and in April 2024, the owner withdrew them after the board’s denial was upheld, according to the Township.

On Feb. 7, the building on the property was completely taken down and rubble removed.

With the building gone, the owner must still comply with the township’s vacant property registration ordinance, health codes regulating nuisances, and construction code regulating unsafe structures.

At this point, it appears that the property owner has made the property available for lease. According to an online real estate advertisement (LoopNet), the 0.25-acre commercial property could be considered for an urgent care center use. There has not yet been a submittal to Montgomery Township, which has no comment on this potential use at this time.