Subject: I Oppose the Gas Station at 1909 Washington Ave

Dear Council Member [Name],

I am writing to you today as a concerned resident to express my strong opposition to the proposed "Kudos" gas station at 1909 Washington Avenue in the Old Sixth Ward.

This development is a direct threat to our community for several reasons:

• Health & Safety: It will release carcinogenic pollutants like benzene just feet from homes where children and vulnerable residents live. Fuel infrastructure increases fire risks to adjacent homes.

• Crime: It risks bringing increased crime and loitering into our quiet residential neighborhood.

• Walkability: It will add dangerous traffic to an intersection that has recently been improved to support pedestrian and cyclist safety.

• Historic Character: It is out of character with the rest of the Old Sixth Ward Historic District.

Our neighborhood is already well-served by seven other gas stations within a one-mile radius. This project serves no community need and introduces only negative impacts.

While Houston does not have zoning, options to protect residents exist. I urge you to use your influence to advance ordinances that could decrease the health and safety concerns related to this development.

Specifically, you can: 1) call on the Health Department to expedite their ongoing benzene study related to gas stations and 2) use the Prop A process to urgently amend the Fire Code to increase the distance requirements between fuel infrastructure & residential lot lines.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your Address]

• Mario Castillo: District H Council Member

  • E-Mail: districth@houstontx.gov

• Julian Ramirez: At-Large Position 1, Chair of the Committee on Quality of Life

  • E-Mail: atlarge1@houstontx.gov

• Willie Davis: At-Large Position 2, Member of the Committee on Quality of Life

  • E-Mail: atlarge2@houstontx.gov