The announcement that Bikini Car Wash is setting up shop on the Northwest Side could cause some controversy. Southside Reporter photo

The property on which the Northwest Side installment of the Bikini Car Wash resides is not zoned for a car wash, said District 7 Councilman Justin Rodriguez on Monday.

Objecting to its proximity to a day care (50 feet) and an elementary school (200 feet), Rodriguez says he is opposed to the establishment, which already opened on the South Side amid protest.

“I’m not trying to legislate morality,” Rodriguez said. “My concern is that this location isn’t the best location.”

Bikini Car Wash owner Ricardo Arsate said he has no doubt the city will try again to block his business when it opens on the Northwest Side in upcoming weeks.

The establishment, which features bikini-clad women who wash cars, reopened on the South Side in late May after being closed down by the city over drainage code violations.

“I’m sure they’re going to manufacture some (obstacles) and do whatever they can to keep me from opening,’ he said. “I’m trying to stay ahead and do everything I can.”

Longfellow Middle School, Glass Elementary School and the Learning Center are all a mile or less away from the Bikini Car Wash.

“There’s nothing illegal about it, but I think it’s in poor taste,” Rodriguez said, adding that if the establishment opens without the proper zoning, Arsate will be asked to shut it down.

The councilman said the “tedious” rezoning process would ultimately go to the San Antonio City Council for approval.

Arsate says there are no hard feelings against the city officials.

“They’re just doing their job. They’re not going to roll over and say ‘OK, here you go,’” Arsate said.

“It’s going to bring some jobs to the area. We’re going to spend money in the area.”

He added that they are hiring.