Precedent

Illuminated signage visible from freeway and bright canopy lighting exacerbates all of these issues. 

Operator plans to operate 24/7, while their other locations, not in residential communities, close at 8 or 10pm. Few 24-hour businesses nearby -  late night customers will be drawn to Summerland. Summerland will become a hub for purchasing alcohol until 2am. This is Summerland, not Isla Vista! Expect increased crime, graffiti, vagrancy, traffic, noise & light pollution, and all other issues associated with a 24 hour business.

US101 sees an average 80,000 vehicles pass by Summerland on a daily basis. Narrow streets. No turn lanes. Evans NB exit turns left into oncoming traffic traveling south on Lillie. Limited Parking. Speeding. Elementary school across the street. Increased traffic from another 500 + vehicles entering and leaving town every day will only make things worse. 

No comprehensive traffic studies performed to examine impacts. 

Gas stations rank #7 in probable locations for violent crime. Studies indicate off-site alcohol sales increase violent crime, especially if the store is open 24 hours. A 24 hour gas station selling alcohol in a sleepy, seaside community along of one of the busiest highways in the United States is like drawing moths to flame.

Gas Stations rank #2 in commercial properties that can lower property values. Bad Schools, Strip Clubs, and Funeral Parlors round out the top five.

Vast majority of the 633+/- parcels in Summerland are on a hillside and will be negatively impacted by bright lighting, either through night light pollution or light illuminated directly into their windows.

The architecture of the canopy, bright lights and signage does not fit the seaside cottage feel Summerland has retained for years, nor does it follow the Summerland Community Plan or Summerland Commercial Design Guidelines. 

Learn more about crime and access to alcohol. 

Studies about crime and access to alcohol.

Learn more about gas stations.