Proposed indoor swap meet raises concerns among nearby senior residents

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - Some residents in Yuma’s Desert Lakes community are raising concerns about a proposed indoor swap meet planned near their neighborhood.

The proposed project would be built on a lot next to the 55-plus community near the Civic Center. Earlier this week, residents received notices from the City of Yuma stating that Vega and Vega Engineering PLC is requesting approval to develop the site as an indoor swap meet.

Residents say they are worried about how the project could affect the area.

“There’s other places that they could put it,” resident Brenda Reed said. “Why does it have to be so close to this neighborhood?”

Neighbors told us they are concerned the development could increase traffic, noise, and crime.

Those concerns were discussed during a neighborhood meeting at City Hall, where residents heard details about the proposal.

During the meeting, representatives from the engineering firm explained plans for the building, including its location, distance from nearby homes, and proposed conditions related to lighting and noise.

Resident Kathy Kanase said she attended to better understand why the location was selected, especially because her home borders the proposed site. “I’m very concerned about the crime that it might bring into the community,” she said.

A public hearing is scheduled for July 27 at City Hall before the Planning Commission. Residents say they plan to attend and ask for additional conditions to help reduce noise and traffic concerns.