Fort Worth residents pushing back against proposed auto shop

“Four of our other shops cohabitate with residential similar to here. Any concerns, we want to address,” the auto shop chain’s founder said.

FORT WORTH, Texas — Homeowners in two Fort Worth neighborhoods are pushing back against a proposed auto repair shop, saying it does not belong in the middle of their community.

Residents in the Villages of Woodland Springs and a neighboring subdivision are actively trying to stop Fifth Gear Automotive Repair from opening. Homeowners said they are organizing a petition to present to the city’s zoning board, arguing the business should not be allowed in their backyard. The zoning commission meets next month, and the homeowners face a Feb. 9, 2025, deadline to finalize their petition.

Residents argue the business owners didn’t follow proper rules to set up shop, including zoning regulations. Fifth Gear Automotive Repair said it is aware of the concerns and the opposition from nearby homeowners.

“This is a residential street that the business faces. So the traffic of cars going in and out daily, the sounds of engines revving, automotive work being done is another issue,” Steven Carlton said.

Resident Barbara Brewer said she hopes the shop owners consider factors like lights and sound and how the shop will affect property values.

“There are so many things here that they need to consider, not just, ‘Oh, we don’t want an auto repair,’” Barbara Brewer said.

“Four of our other shops cohabitate with residential similar to here. Any concerns, we want to address,” Fifth Gear Automotive Repair Founder and Co-Owner Bill Bernick said.

Fifth Gear Automotive Repair and its parent company are a family-owned auto repair business serving the North Texas and Dallas-Fort Worth area since 2004. What began as a small shop focusing on European vehicles has grown across North Texas, with shops in Lewisville, McKinney, Crossroads, and North Fort Worth, offering full-service automotive maintenance and repair for domestic, import and European cars. 

The company says it emphasizes honest, dealership-level quality service with transparent pricing. Fifth Gear has also been involved in local community events and sponsorships in the region.

“It’s built in our business model to be a good neighbor and a good member of the community. I am confident we can help,” Fifth Gear Automotive Repair President of Operations Ricky Jordan said.

The City of Fort Worth shared this statement with WFAA about Fifth Gear Automotive Repair and concerned homeowners.

“The City of Fort Worth is aware of frustrations from residents about a potential business near their neighborhood. The property owner submitted an application to rezone for auto repair with the Development Services Department (DSD) yesterday, January 5. The application will now go through the zoning process – where the zoning application will be set for a public hearing before the Zoning Commission. Notice of the Zoning Commission public hearing will be sent to property owners within 300 of feet of the property along with courtesy notices that will be sent to neighborhood and property owner associations that have registered with the City. As part of the zoning process, DSD staff will review and provide a recommendation to the Zoning Commission who will hold a public hearing and provide a recommendation to approve or deny the request to the City Council. The zoning case will be set for a public hearing for the City Council’s consideration and final determination to approve or deny the request and others interested in the matter will have ample time to weigh in at the zoning commission hearing and at the council zoning meeting.”

Fort Worth City Councilman Alan Blaylock also weighed in, saying he respects constituents’ input on issues that impact the community and said their concerns are important for consideration by the zoning commission and, ultimately, the city council.

Some homeowners have signed up to speak during public comment at Tuesday night’s Fort Worth City Council meeting, where they plan to voice their concerns in person.

The managers at Fifth Gear Automotive Repair told WFAA they are ready to have an open dialogue with the residents who live near their proposed new location.