San Antonio Zoning Committee Regular Hearing - August 19, 2025

The San Antonio Zoning Committee held a regular hearing on August 19, 2025, at 1:11 PM, chaired by John Bustamante (District 5). The committee considered 13 zoning cases, including consent items and four individual hearings. Key decisions included approval of a professional office with modified hours, continuation of a single-family development and a transitional housing project for further community outreach, and approval of alcohol sales at a restaurant. The meeting also included a director's report on staff promotions.

Consent Calendar

• Cases 1, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, and 13 were approved unanimously on a single motion. These items involved various zoning changes, including a two-unit development at 157 West Parkway Drive, a zoning change at 107 Cash Street, a solar use at 8800 Marback Road, a food establishment at 530 Courtland Place, a development at 1002 Street, a 12-unit development at 604 West Hollywood Avenue, a change at 4130 Broadway Street, and a professional office at 1535 Hill Crest Drive. Notifications were sent, and no opposition was recorded for most. Specific details: 71 notifications for case 5 (1 favor, 2 opposed), 20 notifications for case 7 (all in support), 30 notifications for case 9 (2 in favor, neighborhood support), 19 notifications for case 11 (Lincoln Park supporting).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Case 3 (4211 Boxwood Rd): Several residents opposed the rezoning. Ray Shepherd objected, citing past problems, increased traffic, and negative impacts. Another resident (name not fully captured) protested, stating property values would drop and construction issues. Heather Willems opposed, citing commercial activity causing problems (e.g., water cut off). Another resident, Ríos, protested due to the applicant's past improper work (paving without permit).
• Case 10 (334 Como Ave): Edmund Stewart opposed, fearing increased danger from wandering individuals. Patricia Dux (via her daughter) expressed fear for elderly residents, citing existing issues with homeless individuals. Daisy Ted Leroy, a lifelong resident, opposed, wanting peace and no intrusions. Armand Hathaway (president of neighborhood association) and Will Kellington spoke against, citing the area's historic significance (first African American suburb) and concerns about safety for elderly residents. Donna Covington also opposed.

Discussion Items

• Case 2 (1900 block Houston St): Request to rezone from C-2 to MR-6 for a professional office (notary public). The applicant, Reina Sens, proposed hours of 10 AM to 3 PM to avoid traffic. Commissioner Chase suggested extended hours (9:30 AM to 4:30 PM) to allow more flexibility. Staff confirmed conditions: no additional signage, must maintain residential character, and office hours limited to 7 AM to 6 PM. The applicant agreed to the amended hours. Parking was confirmed on-site (gravel area for three cars). The motion to approve with the amended hours passed unanimously.
• Case 3 (4211 Boxwood Rd): Request to rezone from single-family to R-6 for three single-family lots (originally two lots). The applicant's representative, Elizabeth Russell, explained the owner wants to build three single-family homes, remove a metal structure, and eventually live on the property. Commissioner Hinojosa noted concerns about opposition and suggested community outreach. After discussion, the committee voted to continue the case to September 2, 2025, to allow the applicant to engage with neighbors. Motion passed unanimously.
• Case 6 (318 Historic Cold Highway): Request to rezone from C-2 to allow alcohol sales (beer with food) at a restaurant. The applicant, Humberto Yell, described plans for a family restaurant with beer sales only with food, no live music, existing hours (10 AM weekdays, 11 PM weekends). Staff recommended denial due to inconsistency with the corridor plan. However, the neighborhood association and nearby businesses supported the request. The committee approved the rezoning, with Commissioner Hinojosa noting the importance of supporting small businesses. Motion passed unanimously.
• Case 10 (334 Como Ave): Request for a conditional use to allow a transitional housing facility for foster youth (ages 18-24) for up to 8 residents. The applicant, Mr. Ryles, described the program (Coder Housing) providing support, skill training, and mentorship. Current zoning allows 6 residents; the request is for 8. Many neighbors opposed, citing safety concerns, existing issues with homeless and crime, and the area's elderly population. The committee discussed the need for community engagement. Commissioner Chase moved to continue to September 2, 2025, to allow the applicant to meet with neighbors and address concerns. The motion passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Vote on Consent Calendar: Motion to approve cases 1, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, and 13 passed unanimously (Commissioners Calom, Hinojosa, Reyes, Wait, Check, and Bustamante all voted yes).
• Case 2 Approved: Motion by Commissioner Chase, seconded by Commissioner Hinojosa, to approve case 2 with amended hours of 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Vote: 8-0 (all present).
• Case 3 Continued: Motion by Commissioner Hinojosa to continue case 3 to September 2, 2025. Vote: 8-0.
• Case 6 Approved: Motion by Commissioner Barros, seconded by Commissioner Hinojosa, to approve case 6. Vote: 8-0.
• Case 10 Continued: Motion by Commissioner Chase, seconded by Commissioner Barros, to continue case 10 to September 2, 2025. Vote: 8-0.
• Minutes Approval: Minutes from August 5, 2025, were approved unanimously.

Director's Report

• Director announced the creation of a new Capital Budget Department, with Michael Shannon as director. Tomás (former director) promoted to director, and Assistant Ramirez promoted to oversee field projects. Logan Spiel promoted to assistant director for land development. Commissioner Reyes was recognized for his service and is leaving the committee.