SANFORD, Fla.,None — A garbage company is once again advancing a controversial plan that would let the company park dozens of dump trucks in an area near a waterway in Sanford, officials said.
Officials said Waste Pro tried, but failed last year to get authorization to park the trucks in their office park which is along a canal that leads to Lake Monroe.
WFTV learned that this time the company might be able to come out on top.
Monday is trash pick up day for hundreds of Sanford residents, but it's where garbage trucks are stored at night that has business owners like Jim Oakley fuming.
"No offense, but waste is not what we want in our business park," said Oakley.
Oakley was part of the fight against Waste Pro's plan last year to store more than 70 garbage trucks on its property in the heart of Sanford's premier office park. The plans included things like a fueling station that need commissioners' approval. But Waste Pro pulled its application after the public outcry.
On Monday the company has removed those parts of the plan and no longer needs city approval, officials said.
The city said under current zoning, Waste Pro is allowed to park its 70 dump trucks overnight in the parking lot which sits right next to Rose Canal.
The environmental concern is that waste could seep into the canal, which flows into the St. Johns river.
Oakley said that isn't his only concern.
"Their business impacts our property values, it impacts what we believe is the safety of our workers, said Oakley.
A spokesperson for Waste Pro told WFTV that the garbage trucks will be empty and stored inside. However, Oakley and more than 100 business owners at the park have started a petition in hopes the city will step in.
"Somebody needs to do something. We really don't think it belongs," said Oakley.
City leaders said on Monday their hands are tied, but they have demanded that the company hold a meeting with neighbors about its plans.
WFTV
