In The News

Texas community opposes truck stop for 'transient-transportation-induced users

It seems some officials in one Texas town have a “get in and get out” approach when it comes to truck drivers stopping in their community.

In a staff report prepared for an upcoming public meeting about the proposed truck stop, it states that a facility “designed to service a transient population” may not be the best use of property for sale in La Porte.

Officials in the report cite “social impacts” as being one of the main reasons to oppose the plan. The report was prepared for an upcoming public meeting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 16, at La Porte City Hall. For more information, contact La Porte City Hall at 281-471-5020.

“Truck travel centers provide a service to transient transportation-induced users who may not readily know where to go for such services otherwise,” according to the La Porte staff report. “The extended service hours that are inherent with a travel center can also have a tendency to invite activity that may not be appropriate in a mixed-use neighborhood.”

Recently, John Zemanek, At-Large Position A Councilman in La Porte, told one local media outlet, Around La Porte,  that “studies have shown that truck stops are notorious for drug trafficking and also prostitution.”

In the same article, he is quoted as saying that “while I am unable to stop trucks from driving through my city, I would like to think that I could affect them from stopping other than at their destinations,” he said.

La Porte also has a truck parking ordinance that doesn’t allow truck parking on city streets.

As of press time, Zemanek had not responded to Land Line’s interview request.

Truckers are urged to contact La Porte officials prior to the public meeting to discuss the proposed truck stop and remind them of how critical truck parking is needed.

To email the La Porte Planning and Zoning office, click here.

To email La Porte Mayor Louis R. Rigby, click here.

To email John Zemanek, At-Large Position A Councilman, click here.

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