RESIDENTS of Arellano Street, a thickly populated area in Dagupan City, are up in arms against the construction of a gasoline station near their area.

Led by businessmen and professionals, the complainants said the construction of a gasoline station within their neighborhood poses great danger to their health and life.

Dr. Edwin Aguirre, executive assistant to Mayor Alipio Fernandez Jr., said the proposed gasoline station should be constructed far from a residential area.

Arellano Street is where the Colegio de Dagupan, University of Pangasinan and the Doña Victoria Zarate Elementary School, including the Region 1 Medical Center, are located, he said.

The Nepo Mall as well as several high-end subdivisions are also located in the area, he added.

Aguirre called on the city council led by Vice Mayor Belen Fernandez not to endorse the application of one Renato Ferrer to build a gasoline station in the area.

Endorsement of the city council is needed prior to the issuance of an environmental clearance certificate by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Arnulfo Chuchip, an engineer, said Arellano Street is already a narrow road and a gasoline station in the area will invite more vehicles.

He said they are not opposed to the establishment of a gasoline station because that is an added investment to the city but not only on the site where it will be located.

In Makati City and Quezon City, they have already positioned gasoline stations in the outskirts as they are after the health of their constituents, he pointed out.