Zaragoza en Común councillor Suso Domínguez said the projects involve activities that could potentially cause noise, vibrations, fumes, odors and hydrocarbon pollution, as well as possible risks linked to fuel storage. Domínguez particularly criticized the fact that the new stations are planned in the heart of an urban area and noted that, as low-cost facilities without permanent staff, any incident might not receive immediate attention. In this regard, he accused the city government of "once again putting the interests of private businesses ahead of residents’ safety and quality of life."
CRITICISM OF SERRANO
The councillor also directed his criticism at Urban Planning Councillor Víctor Serrano after Serrano announced that he was willing to meet with residents and mediate with the companies behind the projects. Domínguez called on the city government to use its urban planning powers instead of limiting itself to acting as an intermediary and questioned whether neighborhood associations were aware of the meeting scheduled for next Tuesday. The criticism follows the Valdespartera protest, where residents specifically called on the city government to legislate rather than limit itself to mediating with the companies.
For this reason, Zaragoza en Común will bring three requests before the next plenary session: an ex officio review of the three cases, the provisional suspension of the three operating licenses and an amendment to the General Urban Development Plan (PGOU) to establish minimum distances between gas stations and residential areas, schools, parks and gardens. The group believes urban planning should be used to guarantee safety and quality of life in neighborhoods.
