Neighbors press council to deny proposed Woodward/Pillsbury gas station, urge full environmental review

Several residents told the Manteca City Council on June 3 that a proposed gas station, convenience store and drive‑through at Woodward Park and Pillsbury is incompatible with the surrounding residential neighborhood and requires fuller environmental review.

Why it matters: Public commenters said the project raises health, traffic, noise and safety concerns and that the city's environmental review should include a health risk assessment and consideration of truck traffic, construction impacts and proximity to homes and schools.

Public comment highlights: Johanna, representing Woodward Park United, said the group had collected 925 verified signatures opposing the project and asked council to require a full environmental impact report (EIR). Johanna told the council the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District reviewed the city's environmental document and “raised serious concerns,” including that the report “failed to address emissions from increased vehicle traffic, especially heavy‑duty trucks,” relied on outdated tools, and “skipped a full health risk assessment even though the district specifically recommended one.”

Rick Martinez, a long‑time resident, listed risks he said accompany gas stations near homes: volatile organic compound emissions (benzene), groundwater contamination from leaking underground storage tanks, increased traffic at a T‑intersection, fire hazards, and potential crime or loitering. Martinez said some homes are “as close as 40 feet from the proposed gas station” and cited California Air Resources Board guidance (as reported by public comment) recommending 300 feet between new gas stations and sensitive land uses; he also noted newer research suggesting 500–1,000 feet.

Other commenters raised CEQA concerns and urged mitigation or denial. Council and staff did not take final action on the project at the June 3 meeting; the remarks were recorded during the public comment period. City staff reminded speakers of the three‑minute time limit and directed that procedural questions on specific agenda items be raised when the item is formally considered.

What to watch: The matter appears to be active with organized neighborhood opposition and an outstanding request for a full EIR. When the project reaches a formal agenda item, staff will present the city's environmental determination and proposed mitigations; the air district’s written comments were cited by speakers and could be part of the administrative record.