Manteca’s sixth auto parts store — and second operated by AutoZone — is moving forward.

It’s part of a commercial project before the Manteca Planning Commission on March 21.

The development on the southeast corner of Union Road and Lathrop Road will also add to the city’s growing collection of gas stations and convenience stores.

It includes the city’s third Circle K convenience store as well as a 12-pump gas station.

That means when the intersection is completely development it will be one of only two intersections in the city with multiple gas stations.

And it will be the first intersection with multiple auto parts stores.

An O’Reilly’s auto parts store is already on the southwest corner in the Union Square center anchored by Raley’s

The city last year on the northwest corner approved what will be Manteca’s fifth 7-Eleven convenience store, with a 3,440-square-foot footprint, along with 12 fueling pumps. That project also includes 59,695 square feet of commercial space.

That means 7-Eleven with four existing Manteca locations — and Circle K with two — will be kitty corner from each other.

The city is now reviewing building plans for the second Dutch Bros. drive-thru coffee on the northeast corner of the intersection.

There is already a Starbucks as well as the Bean & Leaf kitty corner from that location in the Raley’s

There is no fast food or car wash proposed in the latest project although there is already a McDonald’s and a Mister Car Wash near the intersection.

Speaking of fast food places  and car washes, the city is in the process of reviewing plans for what will be Manteca’s fifth McDonald’s and a Quick Quack car wash on the south side  Atherton Drive just west of South Main Street.

It is part of an overall larger retail project that also has plans for a supermarket being reviewed and will also have a digital Chipotle’s kitchen.

Typically when it’s mentioned Manteca is getting another convenience store, fast food restaurant, car wash or gas station, social media is awash in negative comments slamming city officials — elected and otherwise — for “allowing” more of them.

The city rarely plays a pivotal role in securing new businesses. The exceptions are Costco and Living Spaces, and Bass Pro.

In those three instances, there were limited sales tax deals cut. There were done to avoid Manteca losing a big sales tax generator to nearby jurisdictions that were in the running for the stores.

Manteca cannot bar a legally allowed business from locating if it is an allowed use in a specific zone. The same zoning that allows a supermarket also allows fast food places, car washes, and convenience stores.

It is the market that drives decisions to locate retail and dining.

If the demand wasn’t there, the private sector would not be building such ventures.

That said, an abundance of smaller retail investment in convenience stores and such helps grab the attention of larger retailers.

And — even more important — is the prospect for sustained growth.

In Manteca’s case, the fact last year approval was given for another 2,500 housing units — on top of the 4,000 plus already approved — that when coupled with the city’s sustained growth rate of 550 to 800 living units built in recent years is piquing a lot of attention.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com