LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) – It is a common sight in downtown Laredo: vacant lots and “For Lease” signs on every other building. The newest grievance among business owners is what they call “disproportionate” charges for utilities and garbage disposal.
Kush Samanti, owner of Special Electronics, has been a business owner in the downtown area for many years. He has seen businesses come and go, but nothing compares to the steady decline he witnesses now. His street is now filled with empty lots waiting to be leased.
“It was amazing. I came to Laredo when it was a booming town. I used to sell $100,000 a day, and now I can’t even sell $100 every week. It’s a disaster,” Samanti said.
Samanti’s concerns are heightened when he looks at the monthly bills for each of his properties. “It’s been going on for a long time. We have several properties here in downtown Laredo, and we’re getting charged fees — unnecessary fees on our water bill between $200 to $300, and probably some larger buildings at $400 plus,” he added.
The City of Laredo explains that charges for waste disposal have always existed and been distinct for downtown businesses. Since businesses in the area are serviced seven days a week, with crews picking up garbage morning and night Monday through Friday, and a single crew working the weekends, the costs are higher.
Dr. Victor Trevino, mayor of the City of Laredo, adds that downtown faces specific challenges when it comes to dealing with vagrancy, making cleanliness a bigger issue.
“These challenges also involve the cleaning of the streets because, as we know, we need to revitalize downtown, and a lot of things are involved with the cleanliness and the ability for people to feel safe,” Trevino said.
Moreover, the Utilities Department adds that regardless of use, there is a minimum bill amount. Among the charges are the drainage and downtown solid waste fees. Trevino says part of the city’s effort is to find ways to equalize charges in the future.
“I’m the longest and largest business that lasted for a long time. I’m not going anywhere, but I want more businesses to open up,” Samanti said.
Trevino adds that the city will continue to listen to residents and business owners to better support the growth of downtown Laredo.
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