We, the undersigned, stand united in our mission to preserve the environmental, historical, and living treasures that make Chadwick Farms, Seventeen Lakes, Bluffview, and surrounding areas so special. These places represent not only the beauty and serenity of nature but also the values we wish to pass down to future generations. Our fight is to protect clean air, water, natural habitats, and the peaceful atmosphere that these areas provide, and to oppose the destructive development projects threatening our ecosystems, health, and connection to our shared history of the once Elizabethtown.

On the evening of February 19, 2024, a grave threat emerged with the proposed development on Property ID 68967 (A1191A G.W. Shamblin, TR 6, 52.857 acres) off Elizabeth Cemetery Rd, directly behind the homes on Wheelhorse Trail in Fort Worth, Texas. Late that night, the animals that call this area home were forced to flee the floodplain, desperately trying to escape the unexpected illegal destruction brought on by the proposed semitruck parking development.

This area—home to cherished greenbelts, peaceful hiking trails, and a sanctuary for local wildlife and protected migratory birds—is more than just a natural space. It is a place for our community to connect with nature and find respite in its tranquility. However, the proposed development of an industrial parking lot for semitrucks threatens to destroy this sanctuary, polluting our waters, endangering wildlife, and jeopardizing our health.

The living creek-Elizabeth Creek, designated as a wetland by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service also not only provides resources to life but plays a critical role in maintaining water quality, supporting wildlife habitats, and fostering aquatic life. Wetlands are essential for filtering pollutants, safeguarding against flood risks, and storing carbon to help regulate our climate. The land near the floodplain supporting the wetlands is vital for the health of our environment, providing invaluable ecological services such as water filtration and its carbon storage.

Floodplains offer several important benefits, both for the environment and human communities:

Water Filtration: Floodplains help filter water by trapping sediments and pollutants, improving the water quality of rivers, streams, and groundwater.
Biodiversity and Wildlife Habitat: Floodplains provide rich habitats for many species of plants, animals, and birds, supporting a variety of life, including rare or endangered species.
Natural Flood Control: Floodplains act as a buffer during heavy rainfall or snowmelt by absorbing and storing excess water. This reduces the severity of floods downstream, preventing damage to communities and infrastructure.
Agriculture: Fertile soils in floodplains make them ideal for farming. Periodic flooding replenishes the soil with nutrients, leading to high crop yields.
Carbon Sequestration: Wetland areas within floodplains can store carbon, helping mitigate the effects of climate change by reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
In violation of Denton County Floodplain Ordinance, approximately 30 acres of trees were removed from the floodplain as part of this proposed development. This tree removal has significantly disrupted the area’s natural flood management system, leaving our community at an increased risk for flooding. Furthermore, the removal of these trees has caused a mismatch between the county’s Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports and the updated Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), creating inaccurate flood data. This discrepancy leaves insurance companies with outdated and incorrect information, putting homeowners and businesses in these areas at greater financial risk and jeopardizing their ability to secure proper flood insurance.

Additionally, the semitruck parking lot is proposed to be built just feet from the back fences of residents’ homes, putting families directly in the path of pollutants and noise. The constant emissions from idling trucks, combined with the noise of truck traffic, will enter our homes and community, impacting the air we breathe and the peace we cherish. The proximity of this development increases the risk of exposure to harmful pollutants, putting the health of our children, elderly residents, and those with respiratory conditions in grave danger.

The risks are undeniable:

Destruction of Wetlands: Wetlands serve as natural filters that protect water quality. Runoff from the proposed industrial development, including oil, gas and other fluids from semitrucks, would poison these ecosystems and flow into our waterways, compromising water quality and living organisms.
Air Pollution: Increased truck traffic and idling semitrucks will introduce harmful exhaust fumes and particulate matter into our neighborhoods. This pollution poses a significant risk to public health, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions.
Noise Pollution: The constant hum of trucks, the sound of braking, and the disruption of our once-peaceful environment will degrade the quality of life for those living nearby, making it difficult to rest or find peace at home.
Flooding Risks: The removal of trees and substantial changes in the floodplain, in violation of county ordinances, has compromised the land’s ability to manage floodwaters, increasing the risk of flooding in our community. Furthermore, the discrepancy between the county's FIS and FIRM reports leaves homeowners and insurance companies without accurate flood data, further endangering the community.
Threat to Local History: This development also endangers the Elizabethtown Cemetery avoids cemetery rights, and is the last piece of Roanoke’s history and its connection to Elizabethtown a historical site with nearly 400 graves that date back over 165 years. This cemetery serves as a testament to the history of our community and its early settlers. Its loss would be a tragic blow to such heritage.
We urge the City of Fort Worth and Denton County to take immediate action to stop this destructive development and demand:

An Environmental Impact Assessment to fully understand the harm this development would inflict on our air, water, wildlife, and public health.
Public Meetings and Hearings to ensure the community has an opportunity to voice its concerns and actively participate in decisions affecting our environment.
Historic Preservation Efforts to protect the Elizabethtown Cemetery and preserve our community’s history for future generations.
Accurate Floodplain Data-Have the required CLOMR pulled with accurate floodplain data from a qualified engineer to do an H&H Study
Stop Favoritism of Developers on the backs of communities that depend on responsible governance
 

The destruction of our wetlands, the pollution of our air and water, the mismanagement of flood risks, and the disregard for our history and well-being cannot be allowed. We stand together to protect our environment, our health, and the legacy of our community.

Please join us in this fight. Stand with us to preserve Chadwick Farms, Seventeen Lakes, Bluffview, and all communities that make this area a sanctuary for all. Together, we can ensure that future generations will experience the same beauty, tranquility, health and history that we cherish today.

Sign the petition and make your voice heard. Together, we can protect our future.

Sincerely,
Daisy Yzaguirre
Chadwick Farms, Fort Worth, Texas