Kum and Go has purchased the 1700 block of Ingersoll in Downtown Des Moines and is planning on building a gas station.

The composition of the 8 blocks surrounding this potential gas station contains the following:

· 8 houses

· 2 condo developments

o Artisan Row

o Woodland Avenue Brickstone

· 4 apartment buildings

o Gateway Lofts

o Murillo Condo Building

o Cape Cod Apartments

o Jefferson Apartments

· 3 restaurants/bars

While historically this may have not been a problem, recent research suggests that those who live near gas stations are more likely to develop cancer due to exposure to benzene gas.

Benzene gas released when gasoline evaporates and areas around gas stations have higher concentrations of benzene gas. Because of this increased exposure to benzene, people who live in the 8 blocks surrounding the 1700 block of Ingersoll will be at a higher risk for all cancers.

Benzene has been linked to childhood leukemia, putting the children in these areas at risk.

http://www.webmd.com/cancer/news/20040818/benzene-linked-to-childhood-leukemia

The consequence of building a gas station in this location undermines Des Moines’ plan to incentivize people to live downtown. This hurts local bars, restaurants and retail spots.

Ingersoll already has a gas station three blocks from this location, run by another organization. Downtown Des Moines zoning laws need to consider the harmful effects on the community before allowing a corporation to engage in petty strategic store placement.

Also, the long term development of Downtown Des Moines could be damaged by this store placement. Gas stations that are closed and redeveloped are difficult to renovate. Underground fuel tanks can potentially leak and pollute the soil, making site clean-up efforts more difficult.

Please sign this petition to help spur on the Downtown Des Moines economy and protect the community from unwanted air pollutants!<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />