A Sharon man wants to know why gas wells are allowed to be drilled in residential neighborhoods.

Jon Freeman, who lives on Stambaugh Avenue, asked city council Thursday who authorized a gas well that was drilled in his neighborhood. Freeman said he doesn't think the well should be allowed because it poses a threat to the neighbors.

He said the well could leak gas or start a fire that would "incinerate the whole neighborhood."

City Finance Director Michael Gasparich said the city only signs a lease with the gas company saying it can take gas from properties in Sharon but the city doesn't authorize where the wells are drilled.

The gas company leases land from a property owner and gets permission from all homeowners within a 360-foot radius, he said.