The city of Arlington changes mind over controversial mural

Arlington – A controversial mural on a taco shop's wall prompted the city to react and ask the owner of the shop to take it down citing city code. Days later, the city changed its mind and informed both the public and the shop’s owner that the mural can stay up on a taco shop's wall despite their previous request, Dallas News Metro reported.

In a striking display of artistic prowess, the exterior wall of Gilberto's Taco Shop has been adorned with a mural that captures a memorable moment in baseball history: the infamous 2016 altercation between former Texas Rangers second baseman Rougned Odor and Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Jose Bautista, with Odor's fist making contact with Bautista's jaw.

The proprietor of Gilberto's Taco Shop, Jose Ruiz, divulged that the inspiration for incorporating the mural into the restaurant's facade stemmed from witnessing an array of other establishments that have embraced similar forms of artistic expression. This dynamic visual representation not only adds a unique flair to the eatery, but also serves as a conversation starter for patrons and passersby alike.

"I'm a Cowboys fan, I'm a Rangers fan," said Ruiz. "Anything that has to do with Texas, I'm going to like."

Arlington authorities have issued a missive to the proprietor of Gilberto's Taco Shop, asserting that the mural contravenes the stipulations outlined in the Unified Development Code. According to the regulations set forth in this code, painted wall murals are permitted exclusively within the confines of Downtown Arlington and the Entertainment District.

Regrettably, Gilberto's Taco Shop, situated on W. Park Row Drive, falls marginally beyond the boundaries of the designated downtown region, rendering the captivating mural in violation of the prevailing zoning restrictions.

"It's sad, it's a little upsetting. All I can do is hope for the best," said Ruiz. "I love Arlington. I want to stay in Arlington, so I wanted this to represent a good cause for Arlington."

The city appears to have had a change of heart.

"The City has no immediate plans to take action regarding the mural at Gilberto’s Taco Shop and will seek feedback from the Arlington City Council on whether it would like to make changes to the mural policy," the city of Arlington said in an official statement to the public.

Arlington mayor Jim Ross said he thinks the mural is "gorgeous."

"It took a building that wasn't the prettiest building around and put a beautiful mural on it," said Ross. "It's outside of where we typically allow murals, outside of our city ordinance, but what we've decided to do right now is just not enforce that. We're going to give City Council an opportunity to reevaluate our ordinance on where murals are allowed."

Ross expressed no qualms regarding the content of the mural, emphatically stating, "Our Rangers? Are you kidding me? There isn't better subject matter in Texas. This showcases Arlington pride, and we're all about that."

Anticipating a comprehensive examination of the current city code, city staff members are slated to compile a report and explore potential amendments that might better accommodate establishments such as Gilberto's.

Ross conveyed his support for local entrepreneurs, saying, "We want to encourage entrepreneurs to come in and beautify these old buildings here. We can hold off and put the brakes on things until we get things adjusted for him."

In the wake of the news concerning the possible removal of the mural, a myriad of individuals have flocked to the yet-to-be-opened shop, snapping photographs and extending words of support.

Ruiz expressed his gratitude, saying, "This actually went viral in less than 24 hours, and I'm just happy that people really care about Gilberto's Taco Shop, and they find this a good thing."