With a Costco location on Highway 72 opening on November 15th, feelings and opinions are mixed as some are extremely excited, and some uncertain. This is explained by the numerous pros and cons that are expected to come. Some benefits of Costco’s new location in Madison include new jobs, discounted gas prices, a convenient location for many (compared to the Huntsville location), and of course, their pizza and hot dogs. However, the traffic expected to arrive alongside this new location is a deal breaker for many.
The biggest problem with the new Costco location is undoubtedly the traffic. In a survey of 39 Bob Jones students (24 eligible to drive, or sophomores, juniors, and seniors), 15 mentioned their worries about traffic on Highway 72 when asked about the new Costco location. Sofia Chanes-Peralta, a senior at Bob Jones, said, “I’ve been dreading the traffic from the very beginning.” With Highway 72 being known to have bad traffic, many Madison residents have similarly expressed their complaints in recent years, especially with the development of so many restaurants and stores in Clift Farm with not enough road expansions.
At the bottom of a Homely Huntsville article on Costco’s opening, a user commented, “No, residents are NOT looking forward to it [the Costco] opening. The traffic infrastructure can not support the influx of people entering the Clift Farm community.” Well, that was definitive. While the take is a bit aggressive, it is relatable. Although everyone reading this might not drive, we have all seen our parents get frustrated with traffic. Now imagine that, but even worse. There is a good chance that this is what we can expect to come on November 15th.
In contrast, Costco has many things to be excited about. Sophomore Chris Vu explained, “Costco is large, has good gas prices if you ask me, and they hand out samples of food.” Furthermore, Anna Lyons, a senior at Bob Jones, said, “I think that it [the opening of Costco] will help by opening up new jobs.” There are tons of advantages to come with Costco. Residents of Madison can drive over to their local Costco instead of having to drive to Huntsville to buy groceries in bulk. It’s a testament to the city’s tremendous growth in recent years.
In the same survey of Bob Jones students, over half stated that either they or their parents plan to shop at the new Costco location. Clearly, it will impact the community from day one, both positively and negatively. So, will Costco help or hurt the city? Taking everything discussed into account, it is a bit of both.
In conclusion, be excited for the store, but not the traffic. Discounted gas prices and stuff like free samples or the food court make Costco a very pleasurable experience for all, no doubt. It will also benefit Costco members who live in Madison, as mentioned earlier. The Costco will appeal to a large population and be very successful, but the traffic, we know, will suck.
