Residents of San Antonio's southwest side are up in arms after a local scrap yard, responsible for six fires since 2021, reached an agreement for weekly inspections rather than facing closure. Rudy Lopez, Vice President of the Thompson Neighborhood Association, articulated the community's dismay over the ongoing environmental and health hazards: “Having to breath the smoke, having to put up with the water, don’t know what’s in the dirt, it needs to stop,” he told KENS5.
Given the choice between appealing their license revocation before the city council or undergoing weekly inspections, Monterrey Iron & Metal opted for the latter—a move that has many constituents feeling the company is not being adequately held accountable. "If you pass those inspections, then you’re done, clean, gone," Lopez said in a statement obtained by KENS5.
Local leadership, including Texas Sen. José Menendez and State Representative Liz Campos, have been working with residents to tackle the issue. Menendez emphasized the importance of continued vigilance: “Thanks to our neighborhood leaders and elected officials who continue to advocate for the safety of our community. Our collective efforts will ensure the safety of our neighbors be a priority for all. The work is not over, we must remain vigilant.” he shared with KENS5.
Neighborhood residents are particularly vexed by how the suspension of the revocation process became an option. According to Michael Shannon, Director of the Development Services Department for San Antonio, the suspension and weekly inspection agreement was conceived after Monterrey met code compliance within a 30-day appeal window. "The code is really silent on what happens if they do come into compliance with that 30 days," Shannon explained in an interview with KSAT 12. Despite the agreement, neighbor, Joey Cipriano remains unconvinced, saying, "It doesn’t solve explosions. It doesn’t solve the fires," he told KSAT 12.
Monterrey Iron's COO, Jordan Vexler, stated the company's position affirming their compliance and dedication to standards: “We are pleased to announce that Monterrey Iron and Metal is now 100% in compliance with all city codes. This achievement not only secures our permit but also reinforces our dedication to upholding the highest standards in environmental, safety and business practices. Our company has a legacy spanning over a century in San Antonio. We’re proud to play an integral role in our community, contributing to the city’s economic and environmental initiatives. Today’s resolution of these pending compliance matters ensures the continuation of our company’s operations, secures the jobs of our 80-plus employees, and underscores our commitment to maintaining high standards within the industry.” Vexler proclaimed, aiming to bolster the company's century-long rapport with the city in a statement released after the agreement.
