Costco wants warehouse and gas station fast-tracked

WHEATON, Md. - Costco's plans for a warehouse in Wheaton could be in jeopardy if Montgomery County doesn't allow 16 gas pumps and fast track the process. Negotiations to bring Costco to Westfield Shoppingtown Wheaton have been underway for at least six months, The Gazette reports. But shopping center officials say they'll lose the opportunity, if the gas station isn't part of the package. Under current Montgomery County zoning rules, the approval process for a gas station could take a year. County Executive Ike Leggett wants to speed things up by bypassing zoning procedures and requiring just County Council approval. Some residents are opposed to the idea of a gas station so close to their homes. Others say they'd welcome not having to drive to Beltsville. The county's planning board meets Thursday to discuss the fast-track measure. SOURCE: WTOP