Fry’s proposed gas pumps “fuel” safety issue discussion

When the Fry’s Fuel Facility came before the Maricopa City Council on Tuesday night, the item “fueled” some serious discussion regarding safety issues at that location. The proposed site, on the gravel pad off John Wayne Parkway in front of Fry’s, includes a 3.956 square foot fuel canopy, a 112 square foot sales kiosk, two underground storage tanks and five gas pumps. Pinal County approved a rezoning for this spot in 2003, and the city’s Planning & Zoning commission has approved the site plan.

Councilman Edward Farrell, after viewing the site plan and noting the two gas pumps on the north end of the facility, stated, “Look at the proximity; they are directly right in the middle of the entry and exit.” (That particular entry point was the sight of the two fatality vehicular accident earlier this month.)

The Fry’s Fuel Facility site plan, showing the two gas pumps on the north end located directly opposite the entry off John Wayne Parkway.

“Yes, I understand there are emergency shut-offs,” continued Farrell. “I’m not against the project, but either eliminate those pumps or relocate them. What we have is the difference between reality and design. The reality is that it’s a hazard.”

“It doesn’t make sense either traffic or safety-wise,” added Councilman Joseph Estes.

Speaking as a concerned citizen, Melody Genzel, whose family resides in the Villages directly behind the wall separating the development from the Fry’s center, told the council, “Fry’s is a great neighbor.” However, she presented research indicating that fuel plumes resulting from nearby gas pumps can be harmful to both plants and wild life. Gas fumes are released into the air non-stop when pumps are in use 24/7. “This can keep residents from being able to relax in their backyards or from opening their windows in the cool weather of the spring or fall,” she noted.

Genzel presented three proposals to alleviate some of the problems. The first involves adding a continuous row of trees and foliage around the fuel kiosk to provide a natural barrier for the gas fumes. The fuel center’s strict adherence to proactive fuel guidelines such as those provided by Maricopa County was another suggestion. Her final proposal was the addition of a rubberized cap or seal on gas pump nozzles in order to make fumes less likely to escape.

Council members voted to table the matter and to return it to the planning department as well as to the Planning & Zoning Commission for further review.

Special Recognition for ADOT
Transportation Manager Brent Billingsley gratefully acknowledged ADOT’s Tucson district for its help in dealing with the Fry’s entrance traffic signal emergency following the June 6 accident. Original estimates put the signal back up and running in two to three weeks; thanks to the Tucson office it was a matter of days before the light was back in service. Receiving special recognition plaques were Corrine Cortese, Leonard Sanders and Paul Sykes. They “made it happen,” noted Billingsley.

Transportation Manager Brent Billingsley (right) presents an appreciation plaque to Paul Sykes for his help in getting the Fry’s traffic signal up and running. Also receiving awards were Corrine Cortese (seated to the back, left of Sykes) and Leonard Sanders (below).

Vice-Mayor Brent Murphree, chairing the council meeting due to Mayor Kelly Anderson’s illness, spoke about that tragic accident. “We need to think about those families and keep them in our prayers,” he said. “It all points to personal responsibility. When you’re on the streets of Maricopa, you need to be thinking about your actions and every action you take on the road.”

Traffic Open House
Two projects are underway to improve traffic movement in Maricopa. The city and ADOT are studying options for a grade separation on SR 347 at the Union Pacific tracks. That grade separation will involve the construction of either an overpass or an underpass. Much-needed improvements, particularly the addition of lanes, are being considered for the Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway.

City staff needs the input of the citizenry regarding these traffic improvements. To that end a “Let’s Talk about Traffic” Open House will be held on Wednesday, June 28, in the multi-purpose room at Maricopa High School. Details of these projects will be provided, and staff hopes to hear residents’ ideas and concerns.

For further information, contact City Engineer Karen Wonders via email or at (520) 568-9098.