Paula Furst, a resident from Ward 11, told council that neighbors and local elected officials support a city purchase of the former CVS site at 122 Madison Avenue for a new fire station and asked council to object to proposed zoning that would permit a gas station. Furst said a city offer made in February for $725,000 remains unaccepted and accused the property owners of keeping the building vacant since late 2023. She said the owners have argued in court that a gas station is the only viable use for the site and asked council to "table their proposed zoning legislation."

Furst described public-safety concerns tied to the owners’ other properties and recounted testimony from a recent trial that she said involved a local gas station and allegations of gunfire. She questioned whether such ownership would make a responsible neighbor and said the community, candidates and current council members favor a fire station at the site.

Fauzi Badur, representing the Coalition for Better Life, also spoke during public comment about candidates and community concerns tied to the site and broader neighborhood impacts, and he emphasized community opposition to a gas station near a park and residential area.

Both speakers made their remarks during the public-comment portion of the meeting; the transcript shows no formal council vote on zoning at this session. Furst explicitly asked council members Danny Kelly and Anthony Hairston to pause or "table" the proposed zoning legislation so the city can consider purchase for a community use.

The public comments referenced a February city purchase offer and the property owner’s recent purchase timeline; the transcript includes a figure of $575 in late 2023 for the owner’s purchase price but does not clearly state units for that number. Those numerical details should be verified with city records or deed filings.