San Antonio Planning Commission Meeting - July 9, 2025

The San Antonio Planning Commission met on July 9, 2025 at 2:00 PM to consider a consent agenda and a contested rezoning request for a funeral home. The meeting began with a roll call and the establishment of a quorum (Commissioners Sánchez, García, Duzuki, Siegel, Profit, Peck; Commissioner López recused himself for agenda item 8). The consent agenda was approved unanimously. The main discussion focused on agenda item 11, a rezoning for a funeral home at 13,900 Melsberger. Public testimony was heard, and the commission ultimately approved the request 6-0.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda (comprising items where staff recommended approval without discussion) was moved by Commissioner Profit, seconded by Commissioner García, and passed unanimously (6-0, with Commissioner López recused for item 8).

Public Comments & Testimony

• A voicemail from Christopher Adams (1811 Shoal Run Street, San Antonio, 78232) was read into the record. Adams stated he was the president of the Gardens or Vocalo Homeowners Association, located near the proposed rezoning. He expressed opposition, arguing that the change from a park/open space to a commercial funeral home would reduce quality of life and property values. He requested to be included in further discussions. The voicemail was played for the commission.
• Alan Cazar (12515 Enfield Park, San Antonio) testified in opposition. He stated he and his wife learned of the proposal only that morning. He raised concerns about flooding from Elms Creek, citing FEMA flood hazard zones and personal observations of catastrophic flooding in the area, including a vehicle swept into a tree. He stressed the danger of developing in a floodplain.
• Kim Pettett (2034 Oakline? - address partially given, president of the Oakline Homeowners Association) testified in opposition. She echoed flood concerns and noted that neighboring properties (including a commercial restaurant) had no knowledge of the proposal until the announcement. She argued that heavy traffic on John Moltber and the bridge location would create safety issues. She suggested alternative sites on MacAllister or with Tommy Johnson.
• Tember Recalling (also gave address as 2034? - shared the same address as Pettett) testified not in opposition, but requested that any resolution include an access easement to their 8-acre property, which had been landlocked by the proposed development.
• The applicant, Jeremy Bernell (1914 Melán Street, San Antonio, 78205), spoke in favor. He stated he has owned the property for 15 years, has never experienced flooding, and plans only interior and exterior remodeling (no new buildings) to transform a former gentleman's club into a funeral home. He emphasized limited traffic and small services (75-125 people maximum) and noted that the industry is moving toward cremation. He stated the requested zoning is C2C2D (commercial) and the proposal does not involve large corporate expansion.

Discussion Items

• The main agenda item was a rezoning request (PA 2025 116-05-3) for a funeral home at 13,900 Melsberger, within the vicinity of the international airport. The staff planner (Alexa Retana) presented: 23 notifications were sent, with 2 opposed and no response from the homeowners' association. The area already has commercial uses to the west, and the amendment would not significantly alter traffic patterns. Staff recommended approval.
• Commissioner Duzuki questioned the applicant about the current use of the building and potential changes to parking and impervious cover. The applicant confirmed no new buildings, only beautification, and an increase of a few parking spaces. Commissioner Duzuki noted that current buildings are not in the floodplain, but that development review (e.g., drainage, impervious cover) would still be required during permitting. He also advised the opposing residents to register as a registered neighborhood association to receive future notifications.
• Commissioner Siegel confirmed all questions were answered. No other commissioners had questions. Chair Peck noted that access issues would need to be resolved through a separate subdivision process, not through this rezoning.

Key Outcomes

• Rezoning Approval (Agenda Item 11): The public hearing was closed. Commissioner Siegel moved to approve the applicant's request, seconded by Commissioner Profit. The vote was 6-0 in favor (Commissioners Siegel, Profit, Sánchez, García, Duzuki, Peck all aye; Commissioner López was recused and not present for this item). The motion passed.
• The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as part of the consent agenda.
• The director reported no additional items.
• The meeting adjourned at 2:27 PM.