'We're going to fight': Northeast OKC community leaders oppose potential scrapyard expansion

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Community leaders from Northeast OKC said they feel like the possible expansion of a scrapyard poses a huge risk they can't and will not ignore.

"We're going to fight," said Rev. Derrick Scobey, pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church.

For years people living in the JFK neighborhood in Northeast Oklahoma City have complained about explosions from nearby scrapyards.

"The community is waking up all types of nights and days and they hear loud booms. Some of the foundations have been troubled because of the loud booms," said John Pettis Jr, a community activist.

Community leaders said it amounts to environmental injustice in their neighborhood.

"Had the Planning Commission had a recap of environmental justice. They would have never approved of this application," said Pettis. "It states that existing structure will be utilized, but it doesn't prohibit, and that's the key word, it does not prohibit new structures, and that is a major issue."

The scrapyards said the work they do in this area won't change and is in an area of town that already permits industrial work like this.

"What affects my people, affects me. What is a concern of my people, is a concern of mine," said Scobey.

News 4 tried to speak with the owners of the scrapyard, but were told they would not comment.

The neighborhood is now hoping city council will hear their plea for quiet.

"We're fighting tooth and nail," said Scobey.

The city council will take a look at the application at a meeting on Tuesday.