Houston City Council member Edward Pollard has requested a temporary suspension of the acceptance and approval of applications to construct gas stations near residential property.
The details
On July 2, Pollard wrote a letter to the mayor’s office requesting a 90-day moratorium on applications that would construct gas stations within 200 feet of residential property lines. The letter was posted on his social media pages.
He said he had met with neighborhood leaders, civic organizations and community stakeholders who expressed concern about a concentration of gas stations in proximity to residential neighborhoods.
“The concentration of multiple gas stations within the same area can create conditions that attract higher levels of public safety concerns,” he said in the letter. “However, having a diverse mix of commercial offerings can create more vibrant neighborhoods.”
Pollard added that the request is not to halt current applicants, but to allow the city time to evaluate available data and hear from residents about safeguards and appropriate policy changes.
“A limited 90-day moratorium would allow the administration, City Council, the Houston Health Department, neighborhood representatives and industry stakeholders to work collaboratively toward thoughtful, balanced solutions that protect residents while preserving opportunities for responsible development,” he said.
He said residents made it clear that the issue matters to them and they deserve to know their concerns are being heard.
What they are saying
Many residents said they have seen several gas stations pop up and agree with the regulation request.
One commenter on the letter said they live in Westbury and have no grocery stores within a 10-minute drive, but “tons of gas stations.”
One more thing
It is unclear if the City Council will address this request this week at its weekly meeting. Pollard did not respond to the request for comment by press time.
