Garland residents voice traffic and safety concerns over new fuel station proposal

The Garland City Council meeting held on July 8, 2025, focused on community concerns regarding traffic safety and environmental impacts related to a proposed fuel station near residential areas. The meeting began with public comments, where residents voiced their apprehensions about increased traffic and safety risks at the intersection near the proposed site.

David McKnight, a resident of Wood Springs Drive, highlighted the dangers of the current traffic situation, noting that ambulances frequently use the road to reach the nearby hospital. He urged the council to consider installing traffic lights before any further development occurs, citing the potential for increased accidents and environmental concerns due to stormwater runoff from additional vehicles.

Ritesh Chauhan, another local resident, echoed these concerns, sharing that he has witnessed over 50 accidents in the area. He emphasized the need for a traffic report from local emergency services to assess the severity of the situation and the impact of the proposed fuel station on public safety.

Diana Hightower, who lives across from the proposed site, raised questions about the necessity of the fuel station and its potential effects on property values and neighborhood quality. She expressed concern over the lighting from the station and the saturation of gas stations in the vicinity, urging the council to prioritize residents' voices over commercial interests.

In response to the public comments, the applicant for the fuel station assured the council that the installation of traffic lights is a requirement for their permit, indicating that safety measures would be addressed as part of the development process.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from the council to consider the residents' feedback as they move forward with discussions on the proposed fuel station. The council's next steps will involve further evaluation of traffic safety measures and community impact assessments.