The Willow Glen Resident

Willow Glen Arco station is overdue for remodel

Willow Glen Arco, at the corner of Lincoln Avenue and Willow Street, might soon get a makeover. At a Sept. 9 planning director's hearing, San Jose's planning staff approved a permit to demolish the station. Once the 10-day appeals period ends on Sept. 23, current gas station owner George Fokos will have 15 days to demolish the building. After this, attorney Al Ruffo hopes Fokos will vacate the property.

According to Ruffo, Fokos is operating on an expired lease and has refused to leave until he has the city-issued demolition permit he needs to tear up his gas tanks and take them with him. Meanwhile, new tenant Rick Hirsch is waiting patiently on the sidelines for Fokos to leave the property so that he can begin to remodel.

"[Fokos] said he's been delaying because he couldn't get possession of the building. Now he has possession, so we'll see what his next move is," Hirsch said. "We're ready to proceed with the remodeling when we get possession."

When Hirsch does get onto the property, he intends to build a modern, upgraded gas station.

-- Cecily Barnes

[ Back to Contents Page | Willow Glen Resident Home Page | Archives ]