Petition
Subject: Petition for the Relocation of Wilkinson Gary Iron & Metal, Inc.
To the Esteemed Members of the City Council of Laredo, Texas,
We, the undersigned residents of the impacted neighborhood, La Ladrillera in District VIII, through this official petition, bring forth our collective concerns and request the immediate initiation of proceedings to remove Wilkinson Gary Iron & Metal, Inc. from our vicinity.
Referencing the City of Laredo Land Development Code Book, Article IV, Section 24-60:
Zoning Regulations; Intent and Purpose:
“The Zoning regulations and districts herein established have been developed in accordance with a comprehensive plan and for the purpose of promoting health, safety and the general welfare of the citizens of the City of Laredo, and for the protection and preservation of the historical and cultural places within the City. They have been designed to provide light and air, prevent overcrowding of land, avoid undue concentration of population, and facilitate the provision of transportation, water, sewage, schools, parks and public facilities. They have been made with consideration, among other things, for the character of the district, its peculiar suitability for particular uses and with a view of conserving the value of buildings and encouraging the most appropriate use of land.”
According to the City of Laredo Zoning Department, a business such that as Wilkinson Gary Iron & Metal, Inc. is classified under Use Code 3460: Metal Forging and/or Heavy Stamping. This category of business operations should only be established within M-2 zoning. Such business is NOT allowed in the zoning that it is located in, which is M-1.
It is clear and apparent that Wilkinson Gary Iron & Metal, Inc. and our Council are in violation of said provisions in the event of “promoting health, safety and the general welfare of the citizens of the City of Laredo, and for the protection and preservation of the historical and cultural places within the City.” It should also be noted that this facility is located only feet away from homes with retired citizens, elderly, and small children.
Our grievances are as follows:
1. Endangerment from Eighteen Wheelers - Wilkinson Gary Iron & Metal, Inc. continually violates the "No Trucks" designation of San Ignacio Street, disturbing the peace and well-being of residents, with heavy and dangerous traffic, and thus comprising the safety of pedestrians.
2. Hazardous Fire Outbreaks and Possible Explosions -
There have been numerous fire outbreaks in Wilkinson’s facilities, the most recent being on March 31, 2024, thus severely endangering the neighborhood due to possible explosions from propane tanks and leaving us at risk for serious injuries or even death.
3. Environmental Hazards Including Air, Land and Noise Pollution - Particle matter, volatile organic compounds, heavy metal such as lead, emissions from equipment and industrial vehicles and use of propane gas all contribute to air pollution in the area. The land pollution caused by Wilkinson includes but is not limited to leaking of oil and grease debris mixed with harmful chemicals onto our streets and littering of scrap metals. The noise pollution created by the truck traffic and operations of the facility is constant and has escalated to unbearable levels that disrupt daily living and sleep patterns, causing considerable stress, on a daily basis beginning at 4:30 am.
4. Damage to Property and Infrastructure - The vibrations and repercussions from the business operations after many years have visibly damaged homes and infrastructure, depreciating property values and risking the value integrity of our residences. In addition, the impact of eighteen-wheeler traffic has caused a pavement deterioration that sits over a main water line that leads all the way to the Outlet Shoppes of Laredo, thus, risks possible destruction of that major water supply.
5. Driving Hazards and Vehicle Damage - The fallout of metal scraps from the eighteen wheelers have been contributing to punctured tires and instigated safety hazards for drivers and their passengers. My father, myself and several neighbors have had to get our tires fixed numerous times because of this.
6. Visual Blight from Vulgar Graffiti - The persistent problem of defaced property with graffiti on the premises of Wilkinson Gary Iron & Metal, Inc. degrades the aesthetic value of our neighborhood, and forces families and children to read such profanities as they pass by.
7. Personal Health and Mental Issues Caused by Aforementioned Disturbances and Damages - All of the above mentioned have in one way or another impacted our physical and mental health including loss of sleep, depression, anxiety, fatigue, lack of focus, headaches declined quality of life, and even physical ailments caused by the vibrations of our homes impacted by the constant heavy stomping.
Our rationale for petitioning includes but is not limited to the above-mentioned factors adversely affecting our tranquility, health, safety, and investment in our properties. Therefore, we propose two urgent objectives:
Objective 1: Immediate cessation of using our streets as truck routes by Wilkinson Gary Iron & Metal, Inc., and any other businesses with such operations with eighteen-wheelers.
Objective 2: A mandate requiring the search and relocation of Wilkinson Gary Iron & Metal, Inc. to a new, appropriately zoned setting, concluding within the subsequent six months.
In conclusion, we urge the Laredo City Council to enforce the provisions outlined within the City of Laredo Land Development Code Book, to advocate for the cessation of damaging practices by Wilkinson Gary Iron & Metal, Inc., and to facilitate the company's relocation. We do not take this action lightly; rather, we move forward with an appeal for just and compelling reparation for the sustained detriment faced by our homes, our families, and our community.
We respectfully seek the support of the Council in this matter, trusting in its commitment to the city's statutes and the well-being of its constituents.
Thank you for your attention to this petition.
Sincerely,
Los Olvidados
La Ladrillera Neighborhood
District VIII
Laredo, Texas