Mayor Casts Deciding Vote for Gas Station Against Neighborhoods

Report by Fair Park Residents Association president on last night's vote by city board against the interests of our area:

All,

While the turnout at City Hall tonight in opposition to the proposed Murphy gas station at 12th and University was impressive (it was a packed room, of which we made up more than half), it came down to a 5-5 vote on the proposal to allow it to proceed.  Mayor Stodola broke the tie by voting in favor of the gas station.  The city voted to allow it to be built in direct opposition to the advice of the city's planning commission, which was opposed to it.  It was also voted for in direct opposition to the overwhelming concerns from representatives of the neighborhoods that will be negatively impacted by its presence.  This, after just voting against the construction of a Mapco gas station downtown close to their offices.

To say I'm disappointed in our city leadership tonight is an understatement.  But, I was encouraged to see how many people came out to voice their concerns and other thoughts, even proposing alternatives to this particular development.  Though I detected a whiff of animus toward us from the mayor, we still stood strong and told truth to power.  Unfortunately, that power favored the business interests of just a few over the quality-of-life interests of many.  I guess that's just how it goes sometimes, especially in an election year where votes tend to follow trails to campaign contributions.

Joe Busby and several others from our partner neighborhoods within the University District gave great speeches, and the fact that we lost against corporate bulldozers does not in any way reflect a lack of passion and leadership Joe and the others demonstrated tonight.  I was and am proud to be a resident not just of Fair Park, but of the University District.

We still have a possible hotel to contend with, so even though we're now going to have yet another gas station and all the issues that come with them (just look at Kum & Go at Asher and University with the numerous police cars that have to reside in their parking lot with lights flashing on a regular basis), we might still be able to keep the old Brandon House site from being used for nothing but businesses that are terrible for our neighborhood.  I hope you'll join us again when that battle comes down the pipes.

-Larry Rhodes