Automotive Wrecking Yards in Residential Area Topic for Concern at County Commissioners Court
By: Jose G. Landa©
A concern for many years of Maverick County residents is the opening of automotive wrecking and salvage yards in residential areas within the County. This issue was addressed at Maverick County Commissioners Court on Monday May, 13 2013. The concern involves the legality and danger of automotive wrecking and salvage yards located in a residential area of Loma Bonita (Precinct 4). The agenda item was presented by County Commissioner of Precinct 4 Roberto Ruiz. Commissioner Ruiz voiced his concern for the residents that live in and around the area of this salvage yard which is within a few feet from residential properties.
On February 21, 2013, this junkyard suffered a major fire that engulfed eight vehicles within the property, only a few yards away from homes in the area. A tragedy was averted as the Eagle Pass Fire Department were able to take control of the fire, avoiding a greater threat to the rest of the vehicles within the junkyard compound and the nearby homes and people around it.
At Mondays Commissioners Court meeting, Maverick County Road and Bridge Director/ Code Enforcement Apolonio Rodriguez addressed the concerns and touched basis on legal issues in dealing with that particular threat.
“ Due to the incident that occurred on February 21, 2013 there has been cause for concern from the residents of Precinct 4. A notice of violation has been issued following the process of state law under the Transportation Code it allows the County to issue violations during certain times.
There are also other laws that allow any Commissioner or resident to ask for an injunction against the violator. That action will then expedite the violation more rapidly. The citizenship in that area is greatly concerned on what if something was to happen from now untill an action is to take place to address the situation, ” said Apolonio Rodriguez. “This is a threat and public nuisance and in order to have a real concept of fairness for our citizens we must address this situation. It is a problem for those living in proximity of the operation such as children and families.
It is a fire hazard and we are trying to correct the wrongs to be able to move ahead as a community. We cannot wait on it any longer it is a priority to have the well- being and safety of our citizens come first,” said Commissioner Roberto Ruiz.
County Judge David Saucedo questioned the legalities of being able to handle the matter and how to deal with this situation. Judge Saucedo suggested that more research be done to correctly approach the ongoing concerns of the citizens and to make sure that the matter is handled legally and effectively.
After further discussion and an opinion from Maverick County Attorney Ricardo Ramos on the procedures on how to obtain an injunction and how that would play out through different scenarios such as treating it as a public nuisance, the agenda item was tabled and no action was taken. The item will be brought back to Commissioners Court once it is carefully analyzed and legally researched.
