West Dallas Concrete Plant Permits Denied With Prejudice
It would seem that with the Special Use Permits being voted against “with prejudice”, that the City Council has resolved the controversies surrounding the Latino’s Ready Mix concrete batch plant on W. Commerce Street. While the neighborhood may be largely commercial with some industrial production, it should be noted that the area borders thriving residential neighborhoods, and even a nearby school.
West Dallas District 6 City Council
The battle began in 2019 when the City Council demanded that the batch plant be moved to a new location. Not yet ready to concede defeat, Latino’s was determined to fight the decision in hopes of winning the right to keep doing business, despite its proximity to nearby homes.
Seeking a stay in order to allow them to remain in business, Latino’s was granted a special use permit that would allow them to continue operations for eighteen months while they established a new location for business operations. 24 months later, they were still there, still doing business, and still determined to remain despite the many protests against their operations.
The continued business operations ultimately led to something of a confrontation with a coalition of opponents to the plant, its practices, and the resulting pollution. Led in no small part by an exasperated Omar Narvaez, a more active plan was put into motion.
Community Organizing in West Dallas
With Omar Narvaez leading the charge, he began organizing the local community in a concentrated effort to put an end to these practices that endanger the local residents. Working in cooperation with not only the local citizens but associate Council Member Paula Blackmon and Kathryn Bazan.
Omar Narvaez was fortunate to enjoy the support of Kathryn Bazan, already experienced with similar community organizing and cleanup efforts in the East Dallas communities. She is the co-founder of the group “East Dallas Greater Good” and the Vice-Chair of the Eco-Action and Conservation Committee for the Sierra Club of Dallas.
West Dallas 1
Kathryn Bazan also works with “West Dallas 1” which is a coalition of community organizers and citizen activists. It should be noted that they are no strangers to similar battles. In July of 2021, West Dallas 1 worked with legal teams and State representatives, and successfully requested a hearing with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to challenge GAF.
GAF is a shingle manufacturer located on Singleton that is seeking to renew its Title V permit as is required by the Environmental Protection Agency or EPA. Local residents have long complained about the noxious fumes being emitted from the plant.
Not the least of these concerns is the emission of sulfur dioxide from the plant. GAF is the leading emitter of sulfur dioxide in the Dallas area releasing nearly 125 tons of this noxious gas into the air every year. Sulfur dioxide inhalation can lead to coughing, choking, and severe irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat.
West Dallas City Council Taking Action
Fortunately for the people of West Dallas, these events and similar ongoing challenges seemed to have strengthened the resolve and commitment of Omar Narvaez. One of the results from his efforts has been the introduction of a new Memo from West Dallas officials, outlining the proposed changes for Batch Plant permits, policies, and strategies.
Omar Narvaez understands that the underlying cause of these potential environmental disasters for local residents ultimately lies with city officials and their policies. Efforts are currently underway to change zoning policies, and to clear the way for a more distinct separation of commercial and industrial zoning requirements.
Commerce and Industry in West Dallas
Commercial operations are an integral and important part of the local economy and community in West Dallas, but this does not mean that it needs to become a full industrial center, rendering it uninhabitable for residents, much less visitors to the area.
More precise and strict zoning regulations are only a portion of the efforts underway in an effort to improve the median quality of life in West Dallas. The ability to enjoy the fresh air and a healthy lifestyle is only part of the long-term strategy for the continued growth of West Dallas.
As part of this change, Omar Narvaez is also seeking to organize the local community and reinvigorate and revitalize the West Dallas area. These efforts include the restoration of historical buildings and the creation of historic districts within West Dallas.
Special Revision Zoning District PD 714
This herculean effort will require more radical and modern solutions in addition to the updating of zoning regulations and redistricting of some industrial operations. The revision and updating of the Special Revision Zoning District known more commonly as PD 714 is an important part of this change. See 1007 Folsom Street for more details.
Omar Narvaez has never shied away from controversy and has indicated that he will make a stand beside local community organizations, environmental groups, and others, to not only improve West Dallas for its residents but to create a lively, interactive, more artisan community.
At the same time, growth and expansion also need to be restrained. Large-scale developers must not be allowed to fill the area with strip malls and densely populated high-rise construction that will eliminate affordable housing and force older residents of the West Dallas area to leave due to increased cost of living.
Affordable Housing and Artisan Communities in West Dallas
People like Omar Narvaez understand the need to create a fine balance between the old and the new, and between the historical and contemporary growth. West Dallas is as full of history and tradition as it is of promises for a clean, bright future for its residents and visitors from both near and far.
Even the right to challenge GAF was a major victory in the fight for the environment of West Dallas. The actions of the City Council with people like Kathryn Bazan and Omar Narvaez to get rid of even more environmentally damaging industries is a victory, but only the first step in a much longer and more arduous journey.
For far too long the local politicians have ignored West Dallas and its potential. The Commerce Street Corridor has been refurbished, yet its storefronts remain empty as far too many politicians seek to bring in high-rise and other commercial developers that will effectively decimate the current population of West Dallas.
We should all celebrate the recent victories, most notably the removal of Latino’s Ready Mix concrete batch plant and the other efforts of Omar Narvaez. However, we still need to come together as a community if we are going to be successful in the restoration, preservation, and controlled growth of West Dallas.