Tuscaloosa residents oppose second gas station near Lexington Downs neighborhood

Concerns over proposed commercial developments dominated the Tuscaloosa Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on April 21, 2025, as residents voiced strong opposition to plans for a second gas station near Lexington Downs. Local residents, including Joanne Cook and Gloria Oglesby, expressed their frustration over the potential impact on their community, emphasizing the need for more residential spaces rather than additional convenience stores.

Cook, a Lexington Downs resident, highlighted the ongoing construction of McKnight's Ferry Road and the acceptance of the first service station, but she argued that a second gas station would disrupt the neighborhood's character. "We need space for residential homes, not more convenience stores," she stated, raising concerns about traffic congestion from the proposed three entrances.

Brian Fuller, another resident, echoed these sentiments, reflecting on the changes in the area over the past two decades. He noted that while some commercial developments have been beneficial, the increasing congestion and potential for more gas stations threaten the quiet, isolated environment that attracted many families to the area. "We're looking at changing that congestion to right outside my neighborhood," he warned, questioning the traffic studies conducted on an expansion that has yet to be completed.

The commission discussed the importance of controlling development to maintain the community's character, with some members acknowledging the financial motivations behind the proposals. However, they also recognized the residents' concerns about the environmental impact and the potential for increased traffic and pollution.

As the meeting progressed, the dialogue between residents and commissioners underscored the tension between development and community preservation. The commission's next steps will involve further discussions and evaluations of the proposed developments, as they seek to balance economic growth with the needs and desires of local residents.