In a letter issued Thursday, Pollard said residents, civic organizations and neighborhood leaders have repeatedly raised concerns about clusters of gas stations appearing in close 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; however, having a diverse mix of commercial offerings can create more vibrant neighborhoods,” Pollard wrote.
Pollard stressed the proposal is not intended to halt development altogether.
“Houston continues to welcome economic growth and private investment, and gas stations remain an important part of our commercial landscape,” he explained. “Rather, this temporary pause would provide the City with the opportunity to fully evaluate the available data, engage residents and industry stakeholders, and determine whether additional safeguards or policy changes are appropriate.”
In a Facebook post announcing the proposal, Pollard said communities have “continuously expressed health concerns that deserve further engagement,” while emphasizing that gas stations remain “a vital and essential business for our city.”
The council member said a temporary moratorium then would allow the mayor’s administration, City Council, the Houston Health Department, neighborhood representatives and industry stakeholders to work together on what he described as “thoughtful, balanced solutions” that protect residents while preserving responsible development.
The proposal also drew support from some residents on Facebook, several of whom argued Houston has become oversaturated with gas stations while lacking grocery stores and other neighborhood businesses.
“I live in Westbury and it is beyond ridiculous at this point. We have no grocery stores within about a 10 minute drive, but tons of gas stations (and car washes),” one user said. “Many of our neighbors use the gas stations for their food source a great deal of the time. This should not be the norm.”
Pollard concluded in his letter that he previously raised the issue with Whitmire shortly after the mayor took office but said it never received a response.
“Our residents have made it clear that this issue matters to them as well,” Pollard wrote. “They deserve to know their concerns are being heard and that the City is willing to take the time necessary to fully evaluate this matter before additional applications move forward.”
Neither Pollard nor Whitmire could immediately be reached for this story.