Bellmead auto shop expansion faces neighborhood opposition
Family business seeks zoning change to build indoor facility after 13 years of operation in residential area
BELLMEAD, Texas (KWTX) - A family-owned auto shop is facing opposition from neighbors as it seeks to expand its operations from an outdoor workspace to an indoor facility.
F & G Automotive, run by father and son Freddy and Miguel Hernandez, has operated outside Freddy’s house on Old Dallas Road for 13 years. The business currently operates in a residential zone in a non-conforming commercial use capacity.
“Really, all we’re trying to do is build the shop so we don’t work in the dirt,” Miguel Hernandez said. “Cause right now is fine, but when it rains, it’s a problem. And all of our tools get wet.”
Zoning change required for expansion
The Hernandez family wants to convert their outdoor workspace into an indoor auto shop, which requires the city council to change the property’s zoning from residential to business.
Miguel Hernandez said he has loved working on cars with his father at the location since he was a teenager.
“I don’t get bored of it. Being a mechanic, you learn something new every day,” he said.
The family has spent two years preparing for the expansion, purchasing hardware and changing their address to commercial. They say they have worked with the city to meet all requirements.
“We’ve got all the permits. All the permits are there. All the requirements they asked of us are there,” Miguel Hernandez said.
Neighbors voice concerns
Some of Freddy Hernandez’s neighbors have spoken out against the proposed rezoning at recent city council meetings. They have expressed concerns about large and loud trucks being used to renovate the property.
Miguel Hernandez said the trucks are not related to the shop operations.
“All we’re really trying to find is the resolution. That’s it,” he said.
The business is currently allowed to operate despite being in a residential zone because the city council has chosen not to shut it down, according to Bellmead City Manager Yost Zakhary.
“But because they’ve been there for a while, we’ve chosen to let it go,” Zakhary said.
Decision delayed
The city council has delayed any decision on the zoning change twice. The Bellmead Planning and Zoning Board has recommended that the city council not approve the zoning change.
Despite the setbacks, the family does not plan to relocate the business.
“Since we bought land, we wanted to make the land useful. We kind of got comfortable here already,” Miguel Hernandez said.
The council will take up the issue again at its next meeting in January.
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