Citizens oppose Costco's gas station plan citing children's health concerns

The Littleton City Council held a regular meeting on June 3, 2025, where significant concerns were raised regarding a proposed Costco fuel center featuring 32 gas pumps. The meeting began with a public comment from a resident who urged the council to reject the project, citing potential health risks to children in the area.

The speaker highlighted that flyers had been distributed to 3,800 homes, gathering 281 signatures against the development. They expressed disbelief that Costco would require such a large number of gas pumps, stating that it was beyond the company's typical operations. The resident had previously addressed the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) about the issue and noted their receptiveness to the concerns raised.

Key health issues were discussed, particularly the impact of increased traffic-related pollution on children. The speaker emphasized that living near high-volume gas stations, like the proposed Costco, could lead to serious health problems, including asthma, respiratory issues, and increased cancer risk. They cited studies indicating that children living within 500 meters of such facilities are at a higher risk of exposure to harmful pollutants, with asthma prevalence potentially affecting 10 to 40 percent of local children.

The financial implications of these health risks were also mentioned, estimating a cost of approximately $19,000 per year for the 600 students at nearby schools who could be affected. The speaker urged the council to consider these public health issues before granting any building permits for the fuel center.

Following this discussion, the meeting continued with additional public comments, including residents expressing their views on other agenda items. The council's deliberations on the Costco proposal and its potential health impacts are expected to continue in future meetings, as community members remain engaged in the decision-making process.