City of Dallas sues carwash owner over crime - Professional Carwashing & Detailing

City of Dallas sues carwash owner over crime

DALLAS — The city claims the owner has not made reasonable attempts to prevent crime.

DALLAS — According to dfw.cbslocal.com, the corner of Bruton Rd. and St. Augustine Dr. in Pleasant Grove, Texas, is one of the most dangerous street corners in the northern part of the state, and after years of trying to curb crime, the city has devised a new tactic: sue a self-serve carwash owner.

“We can’t have people living in fear,” said Dallas Councilman Kevin Felder. “We can’t have that, so we are doing something about it.”

Jerry Sliwa, 77, bought the self-serve carwash in the 9500 block of Bruton St. as a retirement investment, the article continued.

“I didn’t buy the crime with the carwash. I just bought the carwash,” Sliwa said.

Sliwa added that he has done everything the city asked him to do to fight crime: put up cameras, extra lights, a fence and signage warning about loitering, the article noted.

Last month, he even installed a gate and began closing the carwash at 10 p.m. instead of keeping it open 24/7, the article noted.

“Everything that they have asked us to do we have done except for a guard standing up there with a gun,” Sliwa said. “I can’t afford that.”

The city’s lawsuit claims the carwash constitutes a “common nuisance” under the law for knowingly tolerating criminal activity and not making reasonable attempts to prevent it, the article stated; furthermore, it calls for Sliwa to hire a licensed armed security guard.

Two years ago, Sliwa hired an armed guard for the carwash, and there was no reported criminal activity at the carwash for the next nine months, the article added.

However, at 50¢ per wash, Sliwa said that, economically, he could not continue to keep the guard hired, so he ended the contract, the article continued.

Six days later, a man was murdered at the carwash, the article noted.

Felder said the city is ready to shutdown the carwash if Sliwa does not comply with the demands in the lawsuit, the article added.

“When we have an operator that refuses to comply, we have no other choice,” Felder said.

Sliwa said he feels the city is making him a scapegoat for the fact that the city doesn’t have enough police officers, the article noted.

According to the city’s latest numbers, the number of officers is down more than 200 from two years ago, the article added.

“That is a common defense but that is not true,” explained Felder.

Felder went on to explain that the crime happening at the carwash was occurring long before the police shortage, the article reported.

“The City of Dallas is going to do what it has to do to make that corner safe, and that’s exactly what we are doing,” Felder said.

Read the original article here.

You May Also Like

SCWA announces recording breaking attendance for 2024 EXPO

FORT WORTH, Texas — The convention was highlighted by two nationally recognized speakers: Stu Crum, CEO of True Blue Car Wash, and football legend Emmitt Smith.

FORT WORTH, Texas — The 2024 edition of the Southwest Car Wash Association Convention & EXPO recently concluded, bringing together approximately 2,700 carwash owners and operators from 45 different states plus Mexico, Canada, Finland and Germany at the Fort Worth Convention Center, the association announced in a press release.

"I am always amazed to see the excitement and enthusiasm of all the attendees and exhibitors,” said SCWA President Frank Nuchereno. “As the first big carwash event of the year, the SCWA Convention & EXPO is a wonderful opportunity bringing the greater carwash community together to start the year with great anticipation.”

Glide Xpress Car Wash announces grand opening of new Cordova location

GERMANTOWN, Tenn. — Glide Xpress Car Wash expands to five locations in the Greater Memphis area.

Glide Xpress Car Wash Grand Opening
Express Wash Concepts celebrates 4th consecutive year on Inc. magazine list

COLUMBUS, Ohio — According to Inc. magazine, EWC ranked #80 on the 2024 Inc. 5000 Regionals Midwest list with a two-year revenue growth of 147%.

Whistle Express acquires 3 more washes from 2 brands

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The company will invest in converting the three washes to Whistle Express locations by mid-March, including upgraded wash technology and new signage.

Bill Martin honored with Lifetime Achievement Award

BOISE, Idaho and FORT WORTH, Texas — The Metro Express Car Wash founder and CEO was presented the award by the Southwest Car Wash Association.

Bill Martin Honored with SCWA Lifetime Achievement Award

Other Posts

AMP launches mobile app, customer experience platform for ZIPS

ATLANTA — The technology AMP brings to the ZIPS brand will help improve customer engagement, and provide a more comprehensive approach to the company’s brand marketing strategy.

AMP launches mobile app, customer experience platform for ZIPS
Spark Car Wash celebrates 5th location opening

SUMMIT, N.J. — The milestone represents the first of many Spark Car Wash openings slated for 2024.

Soapy Joe’s signs with San Diego Padres as official carwash partner

SAN DIEGO — Throughout the three-year partnership, Padres fans can look forward to in-ballpark opportunities such as free carwashes, social media challenges, giveaways and more.

Soapy Joe's Signs with San Diego Padres as Official Car Wash Partner
Express Wash Concepts announces Detroit metro market expansion

COLUMBUS, Ohio and DETROIT — The company acquired two Cosmo’s Car Wash development locations, which will open early this month.