Commission Approves Zoning Changes to Accommodate Safe-Guard Pest Control

After several minutes of discussion and questions, the La Feria City Commission approved an ordinance that will allow Safe-Guard Pest Control to relocate their warehouse and distribution center to a location behind the owner’s residence on Parker Road. This parcel of the property will be rezoned as C-2 Commercial with the home remaining as M-H.

Although the future land use map of the La Feria Comprehensive Plan establishes single family residential as the goal for the future of this property several substantial changes in the surrounding area allowed for the zoning board’s decision. The 51,600 square foot regional place of worship building in just south of the property and another local assembly hall is under construction on the lot east of the property.

The decision came after several meetings where residents had voiced their concerns over safety and traffic issues.. The zoning board, with staff concurrence, made the recommendations to the commission.

Juan Martinez, owner of Safe-Guard Pest Control, now located in Harlingen, was present at the meeting held Tuesday, June 25. Martinez gave a bound notebook to each commissioner with letters of support, financial statements and his business record.

When asked about the safety of his product by Commissioner John Betancourt and Angelica Baldivia, Martinez responded, “We use the least toxic pesticides necessary and the product is in a powder form that is mixed with water so that we only make the amount of liquid needed at the time of the job.” The dry product is stored behind two locked doors and protected by a security system.

The lengthy process will continue for Mr. Martinez as he will now go through the steps to receive a Specific Use Permit to operate the business. A public hearing will be held Tuesday, July 9.

The commissioners also heard praise for City Manager Sunny K. Philip from Allen Stephenson, owner of Ken-La Mobile Home Park located in La Feria.

“I just want you to know that Sunny bent over backwards to help me resolve some issues I was having at my business,” commented Stephenson. He also thanks City Secretary Olga Oberwetter for her assistance.

While having to make some changes to his sewage system he said Mr. Philip’s expertise was very valuable in suggesting some solutions.
“It is just nice to be able to talk to people and work out problems. I think La Feria is a better city than some of your neighbors,” concluded Stephenson.