Green Bay Road Mobil Station Takes Part In Willie Wilson Gas Discount

EVANSTON, IL — City officials anticipate heavy traffic Thursday around the Green Bay Road Mobil station in Evanston due to a planned gas discount event sponsored by Chicago mayoral candidate Willie Wilson.

The $2-a-gallon discount to gas sold at the 1950 Green Bay Road, Evanston, begins at 7 a.m. and will last for as long as the funding is available.

There are four other suburban gas stations participating, as well as 10 in Chicago in the latest $1 million donation from the Willie Wilson Foundation, which included included up to $400,000 in $25 grocery coupons Wednesday at Pete's Fresh Market and Cermak Fresh markets locations.

In a statement, Wilson said inflation was eroding the savings of many Americans, with lower-income families spending more than three quarters of their income on necessities like food and gasoline.

"I see and hear the pain of my fellow citizens and I must help," Wilson said.

Thursday's event marks the fourth time this year that Wilson has sponsored a gas giveaway and the first time it has taken the form of discounted, rather than free, fuel.

Motorists who do not plan to take part in the subsidized gas sale were encouraged to avoid the area of Green Bay Road and Foster Street.

Evanston police will restrict traffic from northbound Green Bay Road onto Asbury Avenue and into the gas station, but northbound cars can turn left onto Foster Street and enter from there. No stopping or waiting on Green Road will be permitted, according to an announcement from city staff and police.

"I am calling on other wealthy individuals to assist our citizens in this time of great need," said Wilson, who last month declared his third run for mayor of Chicago. "Also, I call on government to utilize its policies to help all citizens that are struggling with high fuel and food prices."