More than 50,000 gas stations have shut down since 1991, when stations in the US numbered nearly 200,000. The New York Times recently reported that the closings have saddled many communities with conspicuous, vacant properties — but also created opportunities to make the sites better-looking and more socially engaging through redevelopment.
To learn more: http://bettercities.net/article/quarter-americas-gas-stations-have-closed-18602