Particulate matter<\/a> is made up of small solid particles or liquid droplets \u2014 most often in the form of dirt, dust, soot or smoke \u2014 that can be inhaled and cause serious health problems<\/a> such as increased respiratory symptoms, asthma, decreased lung function and premature death in people with heart or lung disease, according to the EPA.<\/p>\n The grain silos and surrounding properties are located in a historically light industrial zone, between the Union Pacific Railroad hub and a BNSF Railway line. Although concrete batching is considered a medium or heavy industrial operation, the plants are permitted to operate<\/a> in any industrial zoning under a conditional use permit, according to city documents.\u00a0<\/p>\n The permit for the concrete batch plant was initially denied for approval in an unanimous vote made by zoning officials in an Aug. 13 meeting, where several attendees voiced their opposition.\u00a0<\/p>\n In that meeting, commissioners criticized Main Street Terminal\u2019s failure to inform John Peter Smith Hospital of the proposed plant.<\/p>\n Palmer said he and his company met with neighborhood associations, residents and Fort Worth officials within the past month, asking for feedback to accommodate requests from the public.\u00a0<\/p>\n Those requests included implementing dust collection and control equipment, filtration and emissions reporting, as well as operating in an enclosed facility and meeting requirements set by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the state agency that issues air quality permits.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cOut of all of the groups and associations that have taken the time to view this facility in person, all the individuals and organizations have been in agreement that this is innovative and they are also not in opposition to this batch plant,\u201d said Palmer.\u00a0<\/p>\n However, Angela Blochowicz, president of the Jennings-May-St. Louis Neighborhood Association, said the permit application is misleading, \u201coffering only the illusion of protection without enforceable safeguards.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Over 50 letters of residents expressing opposition were sent to the zoning commission, with more sent to council members, Blochowicz said.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cThis plant would endanger not only our neighborhood, but also JPS Hospital, nearby schools and public spaces that anchor South Main and Magnolia Avenue and Dickies Skate Park,\u201d she said.\u00a0<\/p>\n Alongside Palmer, employees with Main Street Terminal expressed their support for the batch plant.\u00a0<\/p>\n Leroy Castillo said Main Street Terminal operates at a high standard within the industry and could contribute to Fort Worth\u2019s local economic development.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cBy issuing the (permit), this allows all of us to continue to grow within the company with a great employer,\u201d Castillo said. \u201cIt gives true inspiration that a (minority-owned) company could be successful.\u201d<\/p>\n David Ruby, who\u2019s worked with the company for a year, said Main Street Terminal worked with the Fort Worth Police Department to address crime, including homeless abatements within the grain silos.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve been able to make our facility cleaner and safer for everyone,\u201d Ruby said. \u201cThis project is about investing in the future of Fort Worth.\u201d<\/p>\n B.J. Johnson, of the concrete supply company J Imperium LLC, stressed the proposed concrete batch plant would be indoors and contained, describing the site as an \u201cenvironmentally friendly\u201d project.\u00a0<\/p>\n Blochowicz and local medical professionals cited concerns with the batch plant being located in the middle of Fort Worth\u2019s Medical District.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cPatients, when they come to the hospital with the burden of respiratory illnesses in Fort Worth, have an expectation of at least not getting worse or harmed by the environment,\u201d said Razaq Badamosi, pulmonologist and JPS Health Network vice president and chief quality officer. \u201cThis will do that.\u201d<\/p>\n Dust produced by a concrete batch plant would stress filtration systems at neighboring hospitals, which have to keep patient rooms regulated in compliance with health laws, Badamosi explained.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cThis would lead to increased burden on hospitals, where failure is not an option,\u201d he said.\u00a0<\/p>\n Badamosi and Blochowicz said dust control technologies lack substantial evidence and cannot be trusted.\u00a0<\/p>\n Nicole Lopez is the environment reporter for the Fort Worth Report. Contact her at nicole.lopez@fortworthreport.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n At the Fort Worth Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here<\/a>.<\/p>\n \n\tRelated\n<\/p>\n Fort Worth Report is certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative<\/a> for adhering to standards for ethical journalism.<\/p>\n Republish This Story<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/silos-tents-.jpg\")
Residents have expressed concerns about encampments near the grain elevators in Worth Heights, pictured in April 2024. (Camilo Diaz | Fort Worth Report)<\/p>\n
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