Hitting Bottom

A new gas station and fast food outlet may not seem worthy of comment, but when they’re dropped into the dreary West Bottoms, it’s a significant development.

I celebrate the addition of this clean and shiny business at the intersection of Genessee and 12th. Still, something in me laments its impact on the competition next door, a rundown gas and convenience store catering to everything that’s seedy about the historic Kansas City neighborhood. (Its sign is barely visible in the far left background.)

When I was new to the neighborhood, the market’s staff repeatedly attempted to shortchange me. But I learned to slap back, in spite of the gun on display behind the counter. There’s more to the store than gas. Commerce begins in front of the store, with tables of cheap bling and knock-off purses. Inside, there are crack pipes (sold in the form of miniature flower vases), crack pipe cleaners (sold in the form of dish scrubbers), porn, lottery tickets and beer.

Come to think of it, perhaps the old joint may survive after all.