Marty Gordon
NRVsports@mainstreetnewspapers.com
Walmart officials have submitted plans to the Town of Christiansburg to build a fuel center at its current North Franklin location.
The plans show as many as 10 pumps with 16 lanes. The location would be placed in the west side of the current parking lot, directly adjacent to the store’s exit.
The retail giant has not released details, nor has the town planning commission discussed the matter as of yet.
A key draw for these fuel centers is allowing customers to save time by combining errands. Walmart corporate is rapidly adding hundreds of stations across the U.S., including adding 40-50 in the first part of the new year.
Walmart vice president of fuel and convenience, Dave Deservio, said by adding dozens of fuel and convenience stations, they are bringing even more value to their customers.
The company held a grand opening in December for its 400th fuel station, located in Palm Springs, California.
As of last year, there are 6,862 big box stores selling fuel.
In other building matters, the future of the Starlight Theatre could be embedded in a request by the Peggy A. Beasley Estate to allow a planned housing development of 45 multifamily residential dwelling units on approximately 4.150 acres located at 255, 275, and 365 Starlight Drive SE and at the terminus of Chestnut Drive SE.
Christiansburg Town Council was asked to set a public hearing on the matter in early 2025, but it has been postponed for now.
In 2024, longtime owner Peggy Beasley passed away, leaving the future of the drive-in uncertain. Now, her heirs will have to decide what is next.
A for sale sign has hung at the theatre’s front gate for the past six months and includes approximately five acres and the drive-in screen.
The theatre opened in 1952 and was built and run by Peggy’s parents, Richard and Dorothy Beasley. It faced a 2024 court battle with the town after noise ordinance challenges, which were directly connected to an attempt to upgrade the sound system.
Like other drive-ins, the Christiansburg attraction also faced major financial strains in the battle against the likes of indoor theatres and the rise of streaming services. The owners also had to dump more money into upgrades on the aging film equipment.
