In a recent government meeting, officials discussed a proposed expansion of the Costco gasoline station in Brentwood, aimed at improving customer experience by reducing wait times and increasing efficiency. The plan includes adding four new fueling positions, bringing the total to 24, which is expected to significantly decrease queue lengths and idling times for customers.
Ryan Cunningham, a traffic engineer from Kittleson and Associates, presented data indicating that the expansion would enhance throughput by approximately 50%, allowing more vehicles to be serviced simultaneously without increasing the average pump time. This change is anticipated to alleviate congestion that often spills onto Seaboard Lane, a primary concern for local officials.
Commissioner Stanek emphasized the importance of customer satisfaction, noting that long wait times deter members from using the gas station. The discussion also highlighted the need to balance the expansion with the preservation of parking spaces, as the project is projected to result in a loss of approximately 24 parking spots. Costco representatives assured that the design aims to minimize the impact on parking while accommodating necessary truck deliveries.
Concerns were raised about the potential for increased traffic congestion, especially during peak shopping periods. However, Costco officials expressed confidence that the new layout and operational strategies would effectively manage any overflow, citing successful implementations at other locations.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to further assess the impact of the expansion on parking availability and traffic flow, with plans for construction to begin pending approval. The anticipated timeline for the project is approximately four to six months, contingent on the necessary governmental approvals.