On June 9, the Planning Board [1] approved modifying a use permit, allowing the Mobil gas station at 1310 Central Avenue to extend its operating hours to 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, on the condition that the owner silence the gas pump TV audio during all hours.
[2]The gas station will be allowed to sell convenience items, including packaged foods and non-alcoholic beverages. Alcohol, tobacco, and nicotine sales will remain prohibited, and operational conditions (e.g., no overnight car storage) will continue to be in effect. The auto repair business at the site operates separately, and its hours will remain unchanged.
The amendment aims to sustain the business and avoid potential site vacancy and blight.
Background
The Mobil gas station has been in operation for over 75 years. Zoning records from 1958 show the site was initially zoned as a commercial district. The station operated at that time with no limitation on hours. The property was rezoned in 1974 to R-4 residential and consequently became a legal non-conforming use. The City imposed the first limitation on hours in 1992.
It is the only centrally located gas station on the island. Other stations are clustered around the Park and Webster Street business districts. The station’s current use permit allows it to operate from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Sales of non-automotive goods are prohibited.
The gas station has seen a long-term decline in fuel sold. It has a difficult time competing with other gas stations on the island that offer extended hours of operation and full convenience stores with a range of products including food, beverages, alcohol, and tobacco.
The owner applied to extend operating hours and to sell packaged food and non-alcoholic beverages. Allowing for additional hours of operation and the sale of convenience food and drink, while continuing to prohibit the sale of alcohol and tobacco products, can help the business compete on a more level playing field. Gas station properties that cease operations face significant challenges in finding successful new uses.
The owner, Qais Ahmed, highlighted customer dissatisfaction with the current weekend hours and shared that 300 customers and 12 neighbors had signed a petition in support of extending hours. He emphasized his positive community relations and efforts to maintain station cleanliness. He concluded by discussing his need for extended hours, citing financial struggles.
Staff recommended approval, finding the amendment exempt from CEQA review and consistent with the Alameda Municipal Code.
Public comment
Public comment was sharply divided between neighbors prioritizing quiet and business advocates emphasizing viability and service.
Leland, who lives half a block away, warned, “It’s completely inappropriate for the neighborhood. This change will create a burden that the neighborhood will have to bear.” He expressed concern about light pollution, door slamming, loud gas pump TV ads, and “more drunk drivers who speed on Encinal” stopping to get gas at night.
Darota, a neighbor since 1996, said, “I see so much garbage on my front yard. I feel like we already gave a lot, and (there’s) supposed to be respect for each other.” Another neighbor said he had gathered 15 signatures in opposition and criticized counting support from people who “don’t even live in the two blocks from that gas station.” Carol added, “I don’t want more commercial traffic. This would completely change the character of the neighborhood.”
By contrast, Kelly Barts, territory manager for Marathon Petroleum, emphasized, “The point of a business is to be open and serve the customers of the community. Typical leases in the United States are 18 hours a day, seven days a week.” Referencing the owner, she added, “You’re not going to find anybody who’s going to take better care of your neighborhood.”
A nearby resident, also named Carol, shared that she has mobility challenges and staff consistently help her get gas: “It’s the only gas station I’ve seen in my 80 years that has disabled help.” She added, “I come and go at all kinds of different hours…and there’s never a lot of commotion. I don’t even hear any music there, let alone loud music.”
Catherine, who works on Coast Guard Island, added, “I feel safe to get out of my car and put air in my tires there, even in the evening. It’s a very clean gas station, well managed.” David suggested, “It might be safer for the community, having the extra eyes there.” He commended the station’s management and customer service.
Board comment
Boardmembers were split on whether to extend hours to 10 p.m. on weekdays. Boardmembers Hanson Hom and Sunny Tsou initially supported opening earlier during the morning commute time and extending weekend hours, but still closing at 8 p.m. on weekdays as a compromise to preserve neighborhood quiet.
Boardmember Teresa Ruiz, however, referenced Alameda’s noise ordinance, which permits loading and unloading between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. She indicated her support for extending hours to 10 p.m. as requested.
Boardmember Andy Wang also supported allowing the station to operate until 10 p.m., noting that a derelict gas station resulting from insufficient business hours would be an eyesore. He added, “I do think there’s a point to be made when the owner/operator has demonstrated good faith with the community.” He agreed that “more eyes on the street” could augment community safety.
Multiple members discussed the noise from the gas pump TV audio. The owner confirmed that some pumps play audio, but he stated a willingness to silence them if required.
The Planning Board approved the use permit amendment as requested in a 5–1 vote, with Boardmember Hom voting against it. Boardmember Xiomara Cisneros was absent. The amendment allows the gas station to operate from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and to sell convenience items, excluding alcohol, tobacco, and nicotine products. The approval included a condition that gas pump audio must be silent at all times.
The Planning Board’s decision is final unless appealed or called for review within 10 days to the City Council [3].
6/17/25 Update: The article originally stated the final vote was 4-1, with Boardmember Asheshh Saheba absent. Saheba made no comment, but was present and did vote.
Contributing writer Karin K. Jensen covers boards and commissions for the Alameda Post [4]. Contact her via [email protected] [5]. Her writing is collected at https://linktr.ee/karinkjensen [6] and https://alamedapost.com/Karin-K-Jensen [7].