New gas stations in Southeast Bend, as well as a thriving food court, continue to develop this year, increasing activity throughout town. 

Reed South, a food court currently under construction, is growing tremendously and expanding their business with multiple restaurants. The restaurants include Cascade Lakes Brewing, Axel’s Taco Shop and The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill, a national franchise. 

The area around the neighborhood of Reed Market Road and SE 27th Street felt empty to the builders. Students that live on the South side often pass through the construction and new developments on their way to the West side of town.

 “I can see how people would think it’s unnecessary just because there are so many of those things around the rest of the town, but it will definitely be kinda cool to have that near me,” said Summit junior August Wilcox.

The new and approved idea of one of the gas stations pleases residents who live in the Reed Market neighborhood, but also angers some. Neighbors have started a petition with almost 1,000 signatures to block the building of the SE gas station. The concern of many is that the new, unnecessary gas station will cause more traffic than needed.

While not everyone is supportive of the new developments, they’re still in progress. As well as a proposed gas station on the north side of town, Costco is also set to open a store. Costco’s mission is to make a more efficient and positive experience as well as higher quality gasoline and diesel. 

“I think the Costco gas station will be really nice and a super good addition,” Wilcox added.

All of these developments are in motion and rapidly moving forward. Bend has always slowly been growing, and these new additions are changing the area and creating more options and resources.