Imagine driving down a busy street, where every hiccup in traffic could spell disaster. Our locally-owned feed store in Ione, which has been serving this community for 9.5 years, relies heavily on safety and accessibility. Our livelihoods depend on it, and so do our customers who need us to be there in moments of necessity. Yet, a proposed gas station with a 12,000-gallon above-ground tank threatens to destroy our business, and by extension, our community ties.

This proposal not only puts our business at risk—it endangers public safety. Being next to such a fuel facility with flammable hay surrounding us could turn a small spark into a catastrophic fire. Imagine the devastation of not just our feed store, but the potential loss of lives and residential properties around the proposed site. Moreover, due to the high risks associated with having such a massive fuel storage nearby, our insurance would be terminated. This scenario would force us to close our doors permanently, eliminating jobs and resources for local ranchers, 4H kids and pet owners who count on us.

Such a development would also aggravate traffic congestion in an already busy area, creating bottlenecks and increasing the potential for accidents. The safety of our customers and residents utilizing this road daily hinges on a well-planned infrastructure, not one overwhelmed by high traffic and the looming threat of a fuel-related accident. 

We want to preserve the small-town, historic character that makes downtown Ione special and supports local businesses.

The economic impacts must not be underestimated. As a cornerstone of this community, our feed store contributes to the local economy by supporting agricultural livelihoods. The proposed gas station would replace us with a venture that benefits national conglomerates at the cost of local businesses.

Together, we can advocate for a better solution that supports local businesses like ours and ensures the safety and well-being of our community. The Ione City Planning Commission must reject this proposal and consider alternative locations for such development that do not threaten existing businesses and public safety.

Please, stand with us in preserving the heart of our community and protecting our families, our livelihoods, and our safety. Help us urge the Ione City Planning Commission to deny the conditional use permit for this gas station. Sign our petition today and help keep Ione safe and our feed store open!