The historic Lavaca neighborhood in San Antonio is facing renewed opposition from residents over plans to build a new gas station, potentially altering the community's character. According to KENS 5, the proposed gas station is slated to rise on a vacant lot on Interstate 37 and Florida Street, once a gas station and later courted by 7-Eleven, which abandoned plans due to the community's protests.
Residents have vocalized concerns including increased traffic and risks to pedestrians, with homeowner Hilda Juarez expressing trepidation about the potential for accidents, "God forbid something happens to a pedestrian," she conveyed her apprehension to KENS 5. Avaish Maknojia, the buyer planning to invest a million dollars into the project, has stated that the project is still in its preliminary phases, meeting with residents about a month ago to discuss their concerns.
Fueling resistance, the Lavaca Neighborhood Association, led by President Melissa Stendahl, voiced that Lavaca, one of San Antonio's oldest residential neighborhoods and a protected historic district, is incompatible with the commercial plans, which include a 7,500-square-foot convenience store. Referencing SA Tomorrow's community plans, Stendahl highlighted the importance of walkability and maintaining historic neighborhoods, stating “It prioritizes passers-by, and there are health and safety concerns without having any buffer between residences — and that includes noise and light as well,” according to a statement in an article by the San Antonio Report.
Despite the proposed station's commercial zoning, the residents question the need for it, given an existing station across the highway Juarez shared her opinion at a recent meeting with the owner's representative, noting that the neighborhood's needs were more aligned with fresh food offerings rather than convenience food items, they want "fruit, we want vegetables," not "Hot Pockets" and cold sandwiches, she mentioned to the San Antonio Report. District 1 Councilwoman Sukh Kaur acknowledged the community's concerns, assuring that her office has engaged in dialogue to mediate the situation, however, the decision lies beyond the council's authority.
