Residents, parents, and community members are raising serious concerns regarding the proposed installation and operation of a commercial BBQ smokehouse at Los Charros in close proximity to residential homes and a preschool.

Unlike incidental cooking emissions, a commercial smokehouse is designed to intentionally generate wood smoke for extended periods of time. This type of operation produces persistent smoke, odors, and fine particulate matter that can travel beyond property lines—particularly when located near homes and outdoor play areas used by children.

While equipment has been referenced that may reduce some visible grease particles, such systems do not eliminate odors, combustion gases, or fine and ultrafine particulates, nor do they convert smoke into harmless “steam.” These remaining emissions are precisely the types that raise concerns for air quality and repeated exposure, especially for infants and young children.

This petition is not opposition to backyard grilling, home BBQs, or ordinary restaurant cooking. It is a location-specific concern about siting a commercial smokehouse in an area where children live, learn, and play nearby.

We respectfully ask city officials and relevant authorities to:

• Reconsider approval of a commercial smokehouse at this location

• Require relocation of smoke-producing operations away from homes and the preschool

• Apply appropriate public-health and nuisance standards to protect neighborhood air quality

Communities deserve clean air, and children deserve special consideration when potentially harmful emissions are introduced near schools and residences.

Thank you for taking the time to review this concern and for prioritizing public health, safety, and neighborhood livability.