Working for you, we followed up on what comes next for the abandoned gas and smog station on Jackson and Parkway Drive.
LA MESA, Calif — One year ago, CBS 8 reported on an old, former gas and smog station in La Mesa that was expected to turn into a QDOBA. But now, the property remains abandoned, and locals say it looks worse than ever.
Boarded-up windows, peeling paint and scattered litter cover the lot at Jackson and Parkway Drive. And just like last year, people who live and work nearby still call it an eyesore.
“That smog station has just kind of been there, but it’s been boarded up,” said a La Mesa resident, Dave. “Some people [hang] around there, some people park trucks there, but nothing seems to be happening with it at all. It just exists, and it’s a waste of space.”
“Cruddier every year. Like, just cruddier and cruddier,” said Anthony, who works in La Mesa. “And it’s just been there.”
Last year, the City of La Mesa told CBS 8 that design plans for a QDOBA were submitted for processing. On Monday, the city said that the project is still moving forward.
According to the city, the project design was ratified at the Aug. 12 City Council meeting. The applicant, Cali Queso Corporation, has since submitted grading plans that are currently under review. However, building plans have not yet been submitted, and there’s no timeline for construction.
“QDOBA is interesting because you got Chipotle over there, there’s another Chipotle up there on Navajo, so it would be okay, but [it] seems like a weird location for it,” said Dave.
As for QDOBA, a spokesperson previously told CBS 8 they expected the La Mesa location to open in 2026. CBS 8 reached out again on Monday for an updated timeline but has not yet heard back.
“I think anything related to food is a good fit,” Anthony said. “Something nice to get rid of the eyesore, I guess you can say.”