During a recent government meeting in San Francisco, Mark Gleason, representing Teamsters Joint Council 7, expressed gratitude to city officials for their ongoing discussions regarding the Gateway Industrial Complex project. Gleason emphasized the importance of addressing community concerns about the project's potential health impacts on residents in the Bayview-Hunters Point area.

Gleason highlighted alarming statistics about air pollution and its detrimental effects on public health, particularly in neighborhoods already facing significant environmental challenges. He pointed out that pollutants such as arsenic, lead, and black carbon could lead to severe health issues, including heart disease and strokes, which are prevalent in the community. He urged officials to consider the cumulative health risks associated with increased truck traffic and industrial development, which could exacerbate existing health disparities.

The speaker also raised concerns about the proximity of the proposed complex to key transportation routes, warning that increased noise and traffic could pose safety risks for children and elderly residents. He called for a halt to the development of what he termed "environmental invisible killers," urging the city to prioritize the health and safety of its residents over industrial expansion.

Gleason concluded by reminding attendees that the current discussions were focused on the continuance of the project rather than its approval, underscoring the need for further examination of its potential impacts on the community. The meeting highlighted the ongoing tension between development and public health in San Francisco, particularly in vulnerable neighborhoods.