AMPM to expand at Date Palm exit in Cathedral City

A new Arco AMPM is coming soon to Indio. Construction officially kicked off Monday at the corner of Jefferson Street and Avenue 42, near I-10. The acre lot will consist of 10 gas pumps, a 3,000 square-foot store building and car wash, creating 25 jobs by Nov. 19 of this year.

It’s not the only project working to fill tanks and fuel the Valley’s economy. Construction for the rebuild and expansion of the AMPM on Date Palm in Cathedral City, off of I-10, is expected to begin in November.

Drivers have something bigger and better to look forward to. Instead of eight gas pumps, the station will provide 16, diesel included.

“It’ll be twice or three times bigger than this one,” said AMPM owner Nachhattar Chandi.

The 1.5-acre project will include a 4,500-square-foot store building, car wash and add on at least 15 new jobs by 2014.

Chandi says on an additional two acres, three fast food restaurants will eventually be on site to hopefully help fuel the city.

“This is a very rundown station, built back in 1980. Definitely the new one will bring in $30 million yearly in tax revenue,” he said.

Paul Schneiderman, a loyal customer of 16 years of the Cathedral City location, says it’s about time.

“A new clean gas station will be a plus. This place looks like it’s had it since the 50s,” he said.

Chandi hopes the much-needed facelift will be a driving force everyone will enjoy.

“It’ll make totally a new gateway to Cat City, with a new station and new overpass.”