By Cynthia Spielman and Tony Garcia
Update: August 22, 2019. City Council, after hours of testimony, approved the project without addressing the citizens except for Councilwoman Sandoval who applauded Councilwoman Gonzales’ efforts on the project and stated that she hoped that NRP/SAHA would work with the neighbors. Westside neighbors worked for weeks preparing and their efforts were not acknowledged.
Alazan Lofts Project
ZONING CASE Z-2019-1070005
Representatives from Historic Westside Residents Association (HWRA), Westside Neighborhood Association Coalition (WNAC), Tier One Neighborhood Coalition (T1NC), and the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center are concerned about the development of the Alazan Lofts, a partnership between San Antonio Housing Authority (SAHA) and NRP on lots on Colorado and Guadalupe. There is no opposition to the density nor to affordable housing which is always welcomed, but the neighborhood groups object strongly to the lack of effort to develop in a way that is compliant with the Guadalupe Westside Community Plan design guidelines, guidelines that were developed by community planners to protect its vulnerable neighborhood. There are major concerns about the lack of meaningful neighborhood input at the beginning of the project. Of the seventeen meetings SAHA claims to have had with community, only three have been about this specific project. Only recently has SAHA and NRP worked with the community to find a solution. The neighborhood groups would ideally like to see the community plan be adhered to with development at two stories, but are advocating for a compromise of three stories and have worked with the site plans to show how this is possible. It will be up to City Council to make this compromise binding. The Esperanza Peace and Justice Center, which is next door to the development, understands the efforts to compromise but supports the Guadalupe Westside Community Plan’s limits of two stories.
Tier One Neighborhood Coalition neighborhoods and its suburban partners are concerned about this development setting a precedence of early project development without community input. In order to make affordable housing a reality, it must have meaningful public input as well as comply with the neighborhood or community plan so that not only can we encourage affordable housing, but also preserve the communities that make up resilient neighborhoods.
The City Council hearing on this development will be Thursday, August 22ndat 2 p.m.
The issues of neighborhood engagement and respect for the community/neighborhood plan are important issues for all neighborhoods. Please come to show support if you can.
Read Amelia Valdez’s Letter to Mayor Nirenberg regarding the Alazan
Together we stand strong!
ZONING CASE Z-2019-10700050 (Council District 5): Ordinance amending the Zoning District Boundary from “MF-33 MLOD-2 MLR-2 AHOD” Multi-Family Lackland Military Lighting Overlay Military Lighting Region 2 Airport Hazard Overlay District to “IDZ-3 MLOD-2 MLR-2 AHOD” High Intensity Infill Development Zone Lackland Military Lighting Overlay Military Lighting Region 2 Airport Hazard Overlay District for multi-family uses not to exceed 90 total units and Non-Commercial Parking Lot on 0.355 acres out of NCB 2415, 0.680 acres out of NCB 2416, 0.191 acres out of NCB 2417, 1.226 acres out of NCB 2439, Lot 16, Lot 17, and Lot 18, Block 2, NCB 2440, located at 1013, 1014, 1015, 1018, 1019, 1021, 1022, 1023, 1101, 1102, 1107, 1114, 1121, 1201 El Paso Street, 210, 214, 316, 318, and 322 Torreon Street, and 803 South Colorado Street. Staff and Zoning Commission recommend Approval.
We need extensive community coordination and input that is seriously considered and followed. Community plans need to be conformed to. The city council needs to make community input and plans a priority in decision making. Communities are open to change but still want to retain the culture and uniqueness of the community.