In a tight 6-5 vote Tuesday night, Worcester City Council voted against a zoning change which would ban new construction of gas stations.
An amendment was approved to move the conversation about new gas station construction to the Economic Development Committee.
Councilors against the ban said it was not the right time to ban gas stations, as electric vehicles are not yet popular enough, and the move would deter new business in Worcester.
“We sat through a significant amount of testimony last term and we discussed issues regarding our green plan,” said Councilor Morris Bergman, referring to talks in April 2021. “We decided on timetables in which we’re going to implement our green plan and the issue of fueling stations being eliminated maybe shows up in 2045.”
The councilors in favor — Etel Haxhiaj, Khrystian King, Sarai Rivera, Thu Nguyen, and Sean Rose — all highlighted the importance of having a discussion about Worcester’s plan to address climate change and fossil fuel usage.
Councilor George Russell, who seconded Bergman’s motion to essentially kill the item, said he was open to a discussion about electric vehicles, but not ready to alter zoning ordinances. Russell put forth a separate order to begin a general discussion within the Economic Development Committee about encouraging electric vehicles, and that item passed 10-1, with Councilor Haxhiaj voting no.
Tuesday’s zoning change proposal came after a proposed gas station on Park Avenue was denied by the zoning board in light of widespread disapproval among residents. Another gas station is proposed on Quinsigamond Avenue.
