Salomon Estates could get gas station, food mart

February 15, 2010

The Valencia County Commission this week will vote on a zone change that could bring small-scale economic development and a few jobs to Salomon Country Estates, an impoverished area of Valencia County.

“I realize the people in that area are rather poor,” said Robert Becker, the landowner requesting a parcel in Salomon Estates be changed from residential to commercial zoning, adding, “They were pleased to hear somebody’s thinking about them.”

Becker said his intention is to build a gas station and food mart on the property. He said the residents of Salomon Estates have to drive into Rio Communities on Highway 304 to get gas or food.

“To me, it’s another project,” said Becker, who has developed other land in the county. “But it’s also helping the economy. I figure two, maybe three, people could be employed.”

Last week, commissioners were pleased with the project.

“What they’re proposing there seems to me to make a lot of sense. If they can start a business and get three people employed in this economy, it seems the intention is very good,” said Commissioner Pedro Rael.

Posted in: Economy