Route 2 retail: An eyesore or a convenient necessity?

EDITOR'S NOTE: This is the first of two stories about the pace and focus of commercial development in south county.

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Cross over the South River Bridge on southbound Route 2 and you are soon hit with the signs of the times: the colonel and his fried chicken, drive-through doughnuts and a new drug emporium, followed by gas stations, convenience stores, more fast food and more, more, more.

The golden mile between Maryland Avenue and Mitchell's Chance Road had already started turning into a mecca for quick-service establishments before the state widened the gateway to south county.

Now the artery is getting clogged...