Van Ness is balding. In the last year or two, two gas stations on the west side of the avenue, a Chevron on Union and 76 on Filbert, have both closed. What’s left are two bare, fenced-off lots just asking for trouble. There’s also a lot on the North East corner of Van Ness and Filbert which has been empty for years too, but at least it moonlights as a Christmas tree lot every December.
Anyway, the oil tanks at the former 76 station lot on Filbert were drawn out a month or so ago, leaving a giant, dangerous pit straight out of Parks & Recreation. But I am happy to report that progress is undergo: I saw four titanic trucks hauling tons of dirt to Van Ness and Filbert this morning. No word on what new structure is going up there. Let’s just hope it’s not a liquor store; I’m in enough trouble with my vices already.
I think this might be the staging area when the Van Ness BRT is being built.
Could be! Good call.