City Council denies auto shop proposed between north Fort Worth neighborhoods

Fort Worth council votes against rezoning for chain car repair location after months of pushback from residents and zoning commissioners.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 10:36pm

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The Fort Worth City Council voted 10-0 to deny an auto repair chain's request to open a new location less than 30 feet from some north Fort Worth backyards, after months of pushback from residents and zoning commissioners. The council cited concerns that the automotive use would be inappropriate next to residential areas.

Why it matters

This decision highlights the ongoing tensions between commercial development and preserving the character of residential neighborhoods in growing cities like Fort Worth. It also underscores the power of engaged community members to influence local zoning decisions that impact their quality of life.

The details

In 2025, city officials mistakenly greenlit Fifth Gear Automotive's plans to open a shop off Loddick Lane, a residential street between two north Fort Worth neighborhoods. After residents raised concerns about the impact on home values and quality of life, the city later admitted the approval was an 'oversight' and required Fifth Gear to go through the formal rezoning process. Despite the company's efforts to address resident concerns, the City Council ultimately voted to deny the rezoning request, citing the inappropriateness of an auto shop in a residential area.

  • In 2025, city officials mistakenly approved Fifth Gear Automotive's plans to open a shop.
  • In early 2026, city staff called the initial approval an 'oversight' and required Fifth Gear to seek formal rezoning.
  • On March 31, 2026, the Fort Worth City Council voted 10-0 to deny Fifth Gear's rezoning request.

The players

Fifth Gear Automotive

An auto repair chain that sought to open a new location in a residential area of north Fort Worth.

Eric Wilhite

A nearby resident who led the charge against the shop's opening and is a city planner for the city of Gunter.

Wes Hoblit

A consultant speaking on behalf of Fifth Gear Automotive, who is a former Fort Worth zoning commissioner.

Rusty Fuller

The president of the North Fort Worth Neighborhood Alliance.

Alan Blaylock

The City Council member representing the area where the auto shop was proposed.

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What they’re saying

“'This property is adjacent to residential on both sides — automotive uses shouldn't be.'”

— Eric Wilhite, Nearby resident

“'We're all in a bad spot. A lot of zoning cases, there's a winner, there's a loser. This one, we feel, we're in a bad position.'”

— Wes Hoblit, Managing Director at Masterplan Consultants

“'This is not good use of this land. Sufficient logical, reasoned opposition to this petition has been presented by the residents.'”

— Rusty Fuller, President of the North Fort Worth Neighborhood Alliance

“'I would actually probably go a little bit stronger and say it would be irresponsible to put all the kids in the community right here and the residences at risk with that much traffic and that many vehicles.'”

— Joshua Allison, Nearby resident

What’s next

The property will continue to hold its same zoning classification, PD-894, which allows for uses such as warehouse, outdoor storage, retail sales and office space — but not automotive uses. It remains to be seen if Fifth Gear Automotive will pursue legal action against the city for revoking its initial approval.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between commercial development and preserving the character of residential neighborhoods in growing cities. It also demonstrates the power of engaged community members to influence local zoning decisions that impact their quality of life, even when city officials initially make mistakes in approving controversial projects.