In yet another twist for Forest City and gas stations in Stapleton, Forest City is now pushing to get gas pumps at all Stapleton pocket parks. “It just makes sense,” says Forest City Spokesperson Janelle Ayers. “These will be Forest City pumps, owned by Forest City, and operated by Forest City. We have all these different companies, 711, Kroger, making money of pumps. Shouldn’t Forest City be getting a taste of that?”
Stapleton families do not agree. “It’s already bad enough that King Soopers is trying to get a station that close to a residential area, as well as the new 711,” said concerned resident Amy Haugen. “There are a lot of health issues to consider, which clearly don’t matter to Forest City.” Forest City isn’t sure if there are health issues connected to having gas pumps located near residential areas or not. “We haven’t done much research in that area,” said Ayers. “What’s important to us is making getting gas more convenient for our residents, and yeah, if we make a few bucks in the process, great.”
Forest City has not decided where the first test pump will go in, but they have a decision-making process in place. “We are simply measuring the distance from the place we would put the pump to the closest houses,” said Ayers. “Whichever park is the closest to homes, that’s where we will start. It makes the most sense. The closer the residents, the more likely they will see and end up using our pumps.” Forest City remains unconcerned about the kids in the neighborhood. “Kids are really observant,” said Ayers. “They will definitely notice the pumps at the parks, and hopefully, will tell their parents, who of course will come use them.”
Residents are stunned at Forest City’s apparent ignorance or disregard for obvious health concerns. “This is a horrible, horrible idea,” says resident Rob Lewis. “Even by Forest City Standards.” Lewis says that studies have shown that cancer risks increase substantially when people are exposed to the different products involved in a gas station. “I can’t believe this is happening. Hopefully, more residents will understand how bad this will end up being and we can block this.”
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