Chevron Station

While this gas station is conveniently located on my daily commute, every time I stop there are people staring me down and asking for money, to the point where I don’t really feel safe.
The staff inside has always been friendly, it’s attached to a McDonalds if you’re into fast food.
The friendly staff will not outweigh how uncomfortable it is with so many people asking me for money every time I stop.

Dear Homeless Person:
While I’m sympathetic to your plight, I did not pull into this gas station for the purpose of bringing you some coin or to hear your life story. I’m sure the life story would make for a compelling Lifetime Movie of the Week, though, so don’t stop chasing that dream. The unfortunate reality is that my horseless carriage needed sustenance and this is one of the cheapest stations in the area.
Granted, it works for you since it is at a major intersection (South Main and the South Loop) but I’d ask that a moratorium on solicitations be proposed at the upcoming 2011 Homeless Convention (This year’s theme: «Enjoy the Outside!» yet, ironically, the site is still to be determined). In return, I will refrain from colliding with you and your party members as I enter the parking lot. Deal?
I can see how y’all love this spot since it is a clean modern facility — and has a bonus feature of having a McDonald’s restaurant attached to it. A veritable one-​stop shop for both motorists and homeless alike. We can rub shoulders inside — though, I’d prefer to just offer you a cheerful wave from a comfortable personal distance instead. Something about having half an Egg McMuffin woven into your nest-​like beard jangles with my inner soul.
Regrettably, I’ve tried to see if all of the negatives were a one-​time thing. But, it was not. When I actually enjoy seeing the store clerk since he projects an aura of protection much like Gandalf the White Wizard («You will NOT pass!») does for Frodo, you know the homeless are quite the army of Orcs.
I’ll give you this: You and your homeless buddies are consistent in the panhandling. So, until that time that I see the ratification of the Chevron Moratorium in writing (and not signed with the Homeless President’s auto-​pen), I’ll have to skedaddle to another gas station such as the Kroger fuel center or Valero up the street and pay a few pennies more per gallon as «protection money».
Air Kisses,
Edgar

This is usually the cheapest gas station in the Main/​Buffalo Speedway/​Kirby area. If I have the opportunity to plan my fill-​ups, I would go to a different area of town, but that’s not always an option.
The one pro I can say is that the gas here is good. I’ve had problems with gas quality from other gas stations in the area, but never here. It’s also decently priced.
Nine times out of ten, I am approached by someone asking for money when I stop at this gas station. I’ve become accustomed to this, so I just tell them no as I see them walking towards me. But, if this kind of thing bothers you, I’d suggest going to a different station in a different part of town.
Also, this is attached to a McDonalds, so there is all kinds of crazy drivers who will run you down while they try to fulfill their McCrack fix.