SAN ANTONIO — Residents on San Antonio’s southwest-side are disappointed after learning a recycling plant where six fires had ignited since 2021, will remain open.
The group of residents had been working for months alongside city and state leaders to try and hold the Monterrey Iron and Metal Plant accountable after the most recent fire in September.
“Having to breath the smoke, having to put up with the water, don’t know what’s in the dirt, it needs to stop,” Vice President of the Thompson Neighborhood Association, Rudy Lopez said.
The residents claim the fire caused poor air quality and health issues for the Thompson Neighborhood and surrounding neighborhoods. The plant faced a code violation after the fire but has since come into compliance.
On Feb. 22, the owners were presented with two options by the City of San Antonio Development Services. They could appeal the revocation of their license before city council or they could agree to inspections every week for the next six months. The company agreed to the inspections.
On Thursday, Texas Sen. José Menendez, alongside the Thompson Neighborhood Association held a meeting to discuss the decision.
Many constituents expressed their frustration and felt the business was not being held accountable.
“If you pass those inspections, then you’re done, clean, gone,” Lopez said. “That’s not what we were expecting.”
In this process, both Senator Menendez and State Representative Liz Campos have been working alongside the residents. Both were present Thursday.
Campos said she had met with the owners to urge them to communicate with the community more.
“I made it very clear that the constituents are my priority and we needed to do better,” Campos said.
As a result, a representative from Monterrey Iron and Metal showed up to the meeting and listened to the concerns.
Lopez said he is not done fighting for change. He is now urging city council to create a committee to update the ordinance for metal and recycling plants.
Senator Menendez released this statement regarding the latest development and meeting:
“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.”