Third Ward Residents Oppose Proposed Gas Station

Concerns over crime, aging infrastructure, and preserving historic neighborhood character drive community opposition.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Residents in Houston's Third Ward are organizing to prevent a proposed gas station and convenience store development, arguing the project would increase crime, strain aging infrastructure, and disrupt the character of their historic neighborhood. State Rep. Jolanda Jones and City Council member Carolyn Evans-Shabazz have both expressed concerns about the proposal, with Evans-Shabazz citing environmental issues and the lack of need for an additional gas station in the area. Community leaders say the plan raises broader concerns about preserving the neighborhood's legacy and preventing developers from bringing in businesses that could attract vagrancy, drug sales, and other problems.

Why it matters

The proposed gas station development in Houston's Third Ward highlights ongoing tensions between community preservation and commercial development. As gentrification pressures mount in historic neighborhoods, residents are increasingly pushing back against projects they believe will erode the character and quality of life in their communities, especially in areas with aging infrastructure and higher crime rates. This case showcases how local officials and community leaders are working to balance economic growth with the needs and concerns of long-time residents.

The details

The development, referred to by some neighbors as an 'STO' (short for service station/convenience store), is planned near the Riverside Terrace community. Many residents say they only recently became aware of the proposal and are now mobilizing to prevent it from moving forward. State Rep. Jolanda Jones and City Council member Carolyn Evans-Shabazz have both expressed concerns, with Evans-Shabazz citing environmental issues and the lack of need for an additional gas station in the area. Community leaders like Sharon Evans Brooks and Tamrao Bell have raised broader concerns about preserving the neighborhood's legacy and preventing developers from bringing in businesses that could attract crime, vagrancy, and other problems.

  • The proposed gas station development was recently brought to the attention of local officials and community members.
  • Residents have begun organizing and mobilizing to oppose the project in the past few weeks.

The players

Jolanda Jones

State Representative who has contacted city officials to gather information and develop a strategy to oppose the proposed gas station development.

Carolyn Evans-Shabazz

Houston City Council member for District D, who has expressed concerns about environmental issues and the lack of need for an additional gas station in the area.

Sharon Evans Brooks

President of the Riverside Terrace Civic Club, which represents more than 1,000 households in the neighborhood.

Tamrao Bell

President of the MacGregor Super Neighborhood and former chair of the Super Neighborhood Alliance, who cited concerns about aging infrastructure and the installation of underground fuel tanks.

John Whitmire

Mayor of Houston, who has said he will consult with the planning commission to better understand the proposed gas station development.

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What they’re saying

“We have worked hard to make this neighborhood where people want to be.”

— Jolanda Jones, State Representative (defendernetwork.com)

“Take this STO and put it in River Oaks and see how the city protects River Oaks from stuff like this.”

— Jolanda Jones, State Representative (defendernetwork.com)

“We have some environmental issues that we are very concerned about, and we also don't see the need for a gas station when there are two right down the street.”

— Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, Houston City Council member (defendernetwork.com)

“Developers who do not care about our legacy only seek to build businesses to erect money, step away, leaving owners to hold the bag for vagrancy, drug sales, prostitution, noise, trash, and God knows what.”

— Sharon Evans Brooks, President, Riverside Terrace Civic Club (defendernetwork.com)

“The amount of depth that you have to put a tank in the ground with gas, with this aged infrastructure that is here, who is to say you won't take out the whole neighborhood?”

— Tamrao Bell, President, MacGregor Super Neighborhood (defendernetwork.com)

What’s next

Mayor John Whitmire has said he will consult with the planning commission to better understand the proposed gas station development. Community leaders and local officials continue to work together to develop a strategy to oppose the project.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between commercial development and community preservation in historic neighborhoods like Houston's Third Ward. As gentrification pressures mount, residents are increasingly pushing back against projects they believe will erode the character and quality of life in their communities, especially in areas with aging infrastructure and higher crime rates. The proposed gas station development has galvanized local officials and community leaders to work together to balance economic growth with the needs and concerns of long-time residents.