San Antonio Planning Commission Meeting – June 24, 2026

The San Antonio Planning Commission met on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at 1:00 PM (approximate). The meeting included approval of the consent agenda, a continuance for item 16, and a public hearing on item 10, a proposal to rename Cesar Chavez Boulevard to Durango Boulevard. After hearing public testimony and commission discussion, the street name change was approved on a 9-1 roll call vote.

Consent Calendar

• All consent agenda items (except items 10, 13 (removed), and 16) were approved unanimously. Commissioner Bustamante recused himself from the consent agenda. Motion by Commissioner Prophet, second by Commissioner Cooper. Roll call vote: 8 yeas, 0 nays (Commissioner Lopez appeared absent during this vote but later participated).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Maria Cardenas (address not provided) opposed the street name change. She questioned the allegations against Cesar Chavez and argued he deserves to be honored for his work with farm workers and unions. She stated the $300,000 cost could be better spent elsewhere in District 5.
• Elva Flores (address not provided) opposed the change, detailing the significant burden on her disabled family member and other low-income senior residents along the street. She noted they would need to change IDs, bank accounts, utility bills (CPS, water), and insurance in person, which is especially difficult for those without cars or computer access.
• Gabriela Hernandez Martinez (address: 40 75 26 Cesar Chavez, speaking in Spanish with interpreter) presented signatures from neighbors requesting the street be renamed to "Virgin of the Perpetuo Socorro" for protection and unity. She asked the commission to consider that name.
• Unnamed speaker (address: 1717 West Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard) supported the change to Durango Boulevard. She noted her father's contributions to the neighborhood and that Durango is a beautiful state in Mexico, fitting with other street names in the area.

Discussion Items

• Item 16 (continuance): The applicant requested a two-month continuance to the August 26, 2026 meeting. Cynthia Walker was signed up to speak but declined to speak at that time. The commission granted the continuance unanimously (roll call: 9 yeas, 0 nays).
• Item 10 (street name change):
  • Staff presentation by Clayton Walsh, Interim Principal Planner: The proposal changes Cesar Chavez Boulevard (from SW 36th Street in District 6 to S Hackbury Street in District 2) to Durango Boulevard. Approximately 295 addresses will need to be changed; 412 notices were sent to property owners, and 8 neighborhood associations were notified. The estimated cost is $305,200, split between application fees, notification costs, and sign replacement (city and highway signs). Community listening sessions were held April 8 and 11; technical review found only support. HDRC recommended approval. City Council decision is expected in August 2026.
  • Commissioner questions: Commissioner Bustamante asked if city resources would help residents with address changes; Walsh said no funds are allocated for that currently and directed residents to their council offices. Commissioner Prophet noted the high cost and suggested memorial designations as an alternative for future recognitions. Commissioner Sanchez asked about the funding source; Walsh replied that part may come from funds previously set aside for a Cesar Chavez event, but the remainder is not yet confirmed.
  • No further questions after public testimony.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved.
• Item 16: Continuance granted to August 26, 2026.
• Item 10: Motion to approve the street name change to Durango Boulevard (Commissioner Prophet, second by Commissioner Siegel). Roll call vote: 9 yeas, 1 nay (Commissioner Sanchez voted no). Motion passed, recommending approval to City Council.
• Meeting adjourned at 2:22 PM.