City of Harlingen to discuss ‘hot topic’ at next meeting: car washes

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The City of Harlingen is holding a meeting to let residents voice their opinions on a controversial topic-car washes.

A City Commission meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 20, at the Harlingen City Hall to get the public's opinions on a hot topic, according to a Facebook post.

The topic in question is whether they should put a hold on new car washes opening along certain main streets.

It seems there has been an increase in the number of car washes that are being built and how close they are to each other, which has left residents with mixed feelings.

Residents have taken to social media to express their distaste on this topic stating, "The residents have spoken. People are tired of the new businesses being car washes. We only have so much space and it's being taken up by things we have more than enough of," one resident wrote.

However, others have a different perspective on this topic.

"Don't get me wrong, I would like to see a more diverse business setting, but I believe in a fair business opportunity for all entrepreneurs," wrote Joe Magana on Facebook. "Does it seem like there's a lot of car washes, yes, but there also seems to be a demand for it."

The City of Harlingen Mayor, Norma Sepulveda has also taken to Facebook to encourage residents to attend the meeting and have their voice heard.

"The ordinance at hand involves potentially limiting the establishment of new car washes in key corridors to foster a more diverse business environment," said Sepulveda. "This raises an essential question about the role of government in business development: Do we want regulations to guide the types of businesses that can open, or should we allow the principles of supply and demand to naturally dictate these outcomes?"

The City of Harlingen included an additional comment on its post stating, "The city commission will consider a proposed ordinance regarding this topic at the upcoming meeting, with a public hearing scheduled during the meeting on Wednesday, March 20 at 5:30 p.m. All interested residents are invited to attend and express their views during the public hearing."

They want to hear people's thoughts on this proposed ordinance and encourage the public to attend the meeting to officially weigh in on the situation.