Paws

For years there’s been rumors of a new Gas N Wash to be built right by the school. Now those rumors have a become reality; Plainfield students will be able to have a quick car wash and snack in the near future.
Getting up in the morning is tough no matter what age you are, resulting in some students and staff getting coffee to compensate. The problem is the nearest Dunkin’ from the school is 11 minutes away while the nearest Starbucks is 10 minutes. Some may have to wake up a full 10 to 15 precious minutes early just to get through the day.
With the Gas N Wash being built, there’s bound to be fast food establishments as well. Plainfield South residents will have an easy way to get their coffee and breakfast before school. The Gas N Wash could also provide a close, safe place for students with off campus to eat and hang out. The Gas N Wash is just what we need to keep our students and staff energized and productive.
Students with jobs could benefit from a Gas N wash as well. For student workers who need gas, they’d have to drive 10 minutes out from school before to fill their gas. The Gas N Wash provides a fast and easy way for those students to get gas without all the hassle of leaving Caton Farm. The Gas N Wash may supply a plethora of jobs for students to apply to during the school and summer months. Working at a place 2 minutes from school is the most convenient thing for a high schooler.
With a closer source of essential fuels and reliable businesses, the new Gas N Wash is just what this school needs to provide the best environment for its students and staff.

Claws

It’s no secret that Plainfield’s local gas stations are a regular hangout spot for the students across town – a visit at any given time will most likely result in coming in contact with at least one familiar face. Of course, to a business owner, this is the perfect reason to open up a location just across the street from the area’s main high school – but what does this mean for our school itself?
For starters, traffic will surely increase before and after school hours. The dropoff and pickup line coming into the school’s parking lot extends onto Caton Farm Road and blocks off those just trying to get by. Now, with the addition of the gas station, not only will there be cars going left and right, but also straight into the station, inevitably creating worse traffic, not even considering the current construction that stretches across the road.
Tardies have also been a specific concern – with the new morning hangout spot, more and more students will continue to be late to first period while thinking that it’s just a walk across the street. What seems like a five minute commitment can easily become fifteen with traffic, lines, and the general walk speed. Time slips away and people get distracted easily – 7:05 could easily become a suggestion, as well as any return times from off-campus lunches.
We’ll also likely see an increase in the violation of the rule against outside drinks during instructional hours. More students will be asked to throw away their cans of soda or cups of coffee that were bought at the gas station, no doubt with at least some pushback from at least a few.
A gas station is a great addition to the town – Plainfield will benefit from the addition, but it may be to Plainfield South’s detriment.