Riverside Terrace residents mobilize against proposed gas station

Community voices concerns over safety, character of neighborhood at emergency town hall

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Residents of Houston's historic Riverside Terrace neighborhood held an emergency town hall to voice strong opposition to a proposed "Fuel Depot" gas station development. Concerns were raised about increased crime, environmental impact, and declining property values, with many feeling blindsided by the project as the current property owners had already signed off on the application. The community is now organizing to oppose the project at the upcoming Houston City Planning Commission review.

Why it matters

The proposed gas station development has become a flashpoint for the Riverside Terrace community, which is known for its historic homes and tight-knit character. Residents fear the project will threaten the safety and identity of their neighborhood, leading them to mobilize against what they see as an unwanted intrusion.

The details

An emergency town hall on Friday night saw State Representative Jolanda Jones and concerned homeowners voice strong opposition to the "Fuel Depot" project planned for the corner of Live Oak Street and Southmore Boulevard. Residents expressed worries about increased crime, environmental impact, and declining property values, pointing to existing gas stations across the highway as examples of businesses that have brought unwanted activity to the area. Councilwoman Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, who both represents and lives in the area, echoed calls for better communication during property sales, while Harris County Precinct 7 Constable James "Smokie" Phillips addressed potential safety concerns.

  • The emergency town hall was held on Friday night.

The players

Jolanda Jones

State Representative who spoke at the town hall and outlined next steps for residents to organize against the project.

Carolyn Evans-Shabazz

Houston City Councilwoman who represents the Riverside Terrace area and lives in the neighborhood, echoing calls for better communication during property sales.

James "Smokie" Phillips

Harris County Precinct 7 Constable who addressed potential safety concerns at the town hall.

Dhuka Investments

The developer group behind the controversial "Fuel Depot" project.

Riverside Terrace residents

The community members who organized the emergency town hall and are mobilizing to oppose the gas station development.

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What they’re saying

“This is not just about one convenience store; it's a battle over property rights and neighborhood legacy.”

— Riverside Terrace resident (Town hall meeting)

“We must demand accountability and organize collectively to stop this project.”

— Jolanda Jones, State Representative (Town hall meeting)

What’s next

The community's immediate focus is now on the Houston City Planning Commission, which is expected to review the project's application in the coming weeks. Residents are organizing to voice their opposition and demand the commission reject the development proposal.

The takeaway

The proposed gas station has become a rallying cry for the Riverside Terrace community, who see it as a threat to the safety and character of their historic neighborhood. This dispute highlights the ongoing tensions between development and preservation in rapidly changing urban areas, as residents fight to protect the legacy and identity of their community.