(August 28, 2008)

PETRONILA--A Nueces County subdivision wants to become a part of Petronila, but residents said the small town's leadership is rejecting their petition to become residents.

A fight is brewing in Petronila. Some residents said they want to become incorporated into the small town, but they believe they're not wanted.

Located near Farm-To-Market Road 665, the San Petronila Acres is the only neighborhood not considered a part of Petronila. Gibo Bernal said it's frustrating so he signed a petition to incorporate the subdivision into the city limits.

"So I can have a voice on the stuff we need to get fixed on the drainage and the cleanup around here and stuff like that," said Bernal, who has lived in the area for 22 years.

Adrian Fernandez, a local resident, said most residents signed the petition. He said the city's leadership is against their plan.

"They don't want any part of our request so this is our only recourse is to try to get the community to have knowledge of the problems we're having," Fernandez said.

Fernandez said he believes this Hispanic dominated neighborhood would change the town dramatically. The population would go from being 75 percent Anglo to 85 percent Hispanic.

"I think it's moreso of the power and not wanting to relinquish the power to anyone other themselves," said Fernandez.

City leaders deny that. They said they're not aware of the petition and don't have a problem with their annexation plan, but these residents still believe it's an uphill battle.

"We refer to ourselves as being from Petronila," said Fernandez. "Any incorporation of another city is really not a part of the thought process. We basically want to be included in the city that we believe we're a part of."

It's a fight they won't give up.

--Manuel De La Rosa, Area 3 News, mdelarosa@kiiitv.com