When news first broke that the Hard Rock Casino planned to operate a gas station and car wash next door to the newly opened casino, my first thought was why is a casino trying to get into the gas and convenience store business?

Now, as the Hard Rock announces the grand opening of their "Rocktane Gas & Wash", the car wash is slated to open at a later date, the moves makes more sense to me.

First of all, it is needed. Uptown Atlantic City doesn't have a modern gas and convenience station, and with thousands of additional gamblers' cars coming every day, it should serve a real need while doing a good business.

Secondly, it shows a commitment to its neighborhood, Uptown Atlantic City, which has been virtually ignored since the closing of the Taj Mahal and Revel several years ago.

So, now you have a new, clean place to gas up and grab a coffee when your Uptown, and, thanks to the Hard Rock feel and imagining of the place, possibly an incitement to stop into the casino while you are there.

More From Lite 96.9 WFPG