New Haven Independent

Gas Station Goes Through Detox

by Sarah Vanderbilt | August 15, 2008 1:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)

Neighbors knew the Shell station at the intersection of Quinnipiac and Foxon as the “Wal-mart of drug paraphernalia.” Under the station’s new owner, the glass pipes and Brillo pads used for smoking crack have been shown the door.

Station Manager Dominic Giordano (pictured, with clerk Sierra Drake) said that when he came in about six weeks ago under new ownership, he recognized what was going on and decided to make a change. “We knew what they were using it for, and we don’t want that type of environment hanging around here,” he said.

“I think it absolutely added to the crime problem,” Melissa Stahl, who lives on Quinnipiac Avenue, said of the old Shell owner’s merchandise. Stahl moved into a condo down the street from the station three years ago. From the start, there was a lot of drug activity on her block; people in the house across the street sold crack.

Things have gotten better over the years. Her drug dealing neighbors moved out. She also credits neighborhood organizing with improving the quality of life.

Stahl said she had raised the issue of the gas station at Quinnipiac River Community Group meetings and recently wrote a letter to Shell, but heard nothing back. A week and a half ago, she went into the store for a credit card receipt and was pleasantly surprised to see the notorious counter display gone.

On another visit yesterday, she did notice the return of Philly Blunt cigars, which people often purchase to hollow out and refill with marijuana. They were less prominently displayed than before.

Giordano said someone could just as easily complain about cigarettes being scavenged for rolling papers. “Because they’re using it for illegal activities, I can’t sell my cigar?” he said. “What you choose to do with it is your thing. Some things you can’t control.”

But the items like Brillo pads and glass pipes that were clearly intended for crack cocaine use are “outta here,” he said, as well as a type of candy that came with a straw used for drug consumption. He’s already noticed the difference in the crowd he gets in the store. “If people know you don’t carry it, they won’t come in here for it,” he said.

Giordano said there are other ways to attract customers besides catering to drug habits, like the Lotto system he was having installed Thursday. “We don’t make much money off of it, but it pulls in a lot of customers,” he said. “If they come in to buy a Lotto ticket, they might also buy a newspaper, or a cup of coffee.”

Tuesday night, Stahl sent an email to her neighbors about the changes at the Shell station, and suggested that those who use the station stop in and thank the new management. After her Wednesday encounter with the Blunts, she is more cautious, but still encouraged by the overall change. “If the new owner has the support of the neighbors and he knows it, I think it may be something that he would continue,” she said.

“I don’t hang out at the Shell station or anything,” she added, “but it’s nice to get gas there and not be bothered by the crackheads.”

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Comments

Posted by: MORRIS COVE MF | August 15, 2008 2:26 PM

GOOD FOR THEM! I've often wondered why gas station owners chose to carry things that only addicts and criminals would buy, thus offending regular law-abiding folks like me. Finally, someone is saying "I care", and not just "I'm trying to make a living". Now I can go back to buying gas there again, and feel safe while doing so.

Posted by: James | August 15, 2008 4:41 PM

Don't get me wrong, this is great. But only in New Haven.

"Gas Station Owners Applauded for Not Selling Crack Pipes"

Posted by: Chris | August 15, 2008 7:53 PM

Welcome to the neighborhood new owner - you got my business.

Posted by: cedarhillresident | August 15, 2008 7:53 PM

Your right James it is to funny

But I will go out of my way to use his place as a thank you for hopefully being the first of many!

Posted by: Beansie's Mom | August 16, 2008 1:38 PM

A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. When the store was redone the size behind the counter was increased.

There are all sorts of addicts -- tobacco, liquor, gambling. All these vices are available at most of the convenience stores attached to the gas stations. Primarily because local independent owners can't make a living just selling gasoline.

It's sad that the Shell got press for having some items that are tools of the drug trade. Single mothers or the elderly on a fixed income sometimes only need one "brillo" and don't want to pay for a whole pack from down the hill at Wal-Mart. (K-Mart's construction devasted the area in terms of wild life and peaceful areas.) Too much convenience results in a lot of throw-aways.

But it's the Sunoco Station that has the well deserved reputation for being a source for illegal and illicit narcotics.

IF you don't like Shell or Sunoco, there's always 7-11 or the former BP on Rt 80 that also has a carwash. Let's not forget the third gas station right there at Four Corners, Global. One upon a time Exxon and Mobil (before the merger and before the tanker accident)were at the kitty corners from Sunoco and Shell.

LET'S GET SOMETHING STRAIGHT. Drug dealing neighbors don't move far. Most of the time, they move to some place else in their territory or turf. Even when the NHPD or Statewide task Force makes the arrest, they're back out in anywhere from a few months to a half-dozen years.

NEIGHBORHOOD organizing is only as succesful as the commitment to it. If you want to rid the area of crime you need to be active, in your own blockwatch and in reporting with details the illicit activity you see.

Posted by: DEZ | August 16, 2008 6:13 PM

Sending a positive, discrete message that it's not OK or business as usual to buy drug paraphernalia at their establishment. Brilliant! Welcome!

Posted by: fair haven h | August 16, 2008 10:51 PM

you guys rock! thanks for being a part of the neighborhood instead of one of the factor bringing us down!

Gas Station Goes Through Detox

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