Category: Neighborhood Requests for Support

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Large Assisted Living Facilities (ALF) in Residential Neighborhoods

Dear Neighborhoods Across the City,  

One of your D7 neighborhoods,  Alamo Farmsteads/Babcock Road Neighborhood Association, needs your help. We know this is short notice, but there is still time to voice an opinion at City Council on Thursday, May 5th. 

Item 43:  ZONING-Z-2021-10700350 – Requested Zoning: “RE CD” Residential Estate District with a Conditional Use for an Assisted Living Facility (ALF) for up to 10 residents for 6960 Pembroke located in District 7, identified as Item 43 on the agenda for the April 7th City Council Meeting. 

Opposition: Staff recommends denial; The Zoning Commission voted unanimously for denial. 

Nine (9) of the eleven (11) neighbors within 200’ are in opposition.  We had 74% of Alamo Farmsteads residents who submitted their surveys as “In Opposition”.  Four Neighborhood Associations submitted as “In Opposition” (3 of which have had recent zoning cases for ALF expansion). 

However, Councilwoman Ana Sandoval from District 7  has indicated that she is going to recommend approval of this zoning case and has asked the community to find a compromise with the business owner.


The issue: Assisted Living Facilities (ALF) embedded within residential neighborhoods is a valued service for the community and by right, every residential home in San Antonio can be a 6-resident ALF, but a residential ALF embedded within a neighborhood does have an impact to the nearby neighbors and community and allowing for additional growth of a facility would only add to their impact. 

Any property surrounding your home can become a 6-resident ALF regardless if you are in a historic, conservation, HOA, gated community, etc.  There are currently 95 residential-type ALFs registered in Bexar County, so this will eventually need to be addressed by every district in San Antonio.  Also, this does not include those residential ALFs with less than 4 residents that do not have to register.

Since the City has not developed an overall plan for managing the number and location of these ALFs, and does not have accurate numbers on occupancy rates and total capacity of these facilities; it is premature to approve this request which would set a precedent for other residential ALFs in other districts of San Antonio.  Please support us in opposing this zoning request.   We ask that you reach out to your council member and ask her /him to listen to their communities. We’ve attached a template letter. 

Please also consider a written message to be read at tomorrow’s City Council meeting in opposition to Item 43

To sign up to speak visit www.saspeakup.com

·      Click on meetings and events at the top of the page 

·              Select City Council A Session for May 5th at 2 p.m.

·      Click on the Comments Icon and leave the following written message, if you’d like: 

Template Letter

Item number

Name

Neighborhood and Council District

Please deny the request for a RE CD with a Conditional Use for an Assisted Living Facility (ALF) for up to 10 residents for 6960 Pembroke. Assisted Living Facilities (ALF) embedded within residential neighborhoods is a valued service for the community and by right, every residential home in San Antonio can be a 6-resident ALF, but a residential ALF embedded within a neighborhood does have an impact to the nearby neighbors and community and allowing for additional growth of a facility would only add to their impact. 

Any residential property can become a 6-resident ALF regardless of type: historic, conservation, HOA, gated community, etc.  There are currently 95 residential-type ALFs registered in Bexar County, so this will eventually need to be addressed by every district in San Antonio.  Also, this does not include those residential ALFs with less than 4 residents that do not have to register. We recognize the valuable service of ALFs but we also recognize that this is a business and the balance between the service, the business, and the residential neighborhood needs should be balanced in a plan developed by the City. 

Since the City has not developed an overall plan for managing the number and location of these ALFs, and does not have accurate numbers on occupancy rates and total capacity of these facilities; it is premature to approve this request which would set a precedent for other residential ALFs in other districts of San Antonio. This request has been denied by staff as well as a unanimous vote of the Zoning Commission.  Please support us in opposing this zoning request. 

Neighborhoods working together can help make a better City. 

Thank you,

Phillip Manna
Alamo Farmsteads/Babcock Road Neighborhood Association

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T1NC’s letter in support of Westwood Square’s request for more time for the YWCA case for a Human Campus

Zoning Case Z-2021-10700341 CD at 2318 Castroville Road (Agenda #44)

Case Manager: Summer McCann, Planner   contact: summer.mccann@sanantonio.gov

March 14, 2022

Dear Council Members, 

This case, which has involved the YWCA’s request for a zoning change from MF33 to C-2NA CD with a Conditional Use for a Human Service Campus, has been one that has been contentious and rushed and has often lacked the meaningful public input of the near neighbors to the project. In a recent neighborhood meeting, residents requested a rescheduling of this case so that they understand and have input on the restrictions before they can support. This does not seem too much to ask. 

Having support from and working with community has been the stated goal of the YWCA and giving residents more time to give support can only help the YWCA’s project as they seek resident input in future decisions. Giving residents more time will  build trust and cooperation. 

We request that you reschedule the vote on agenda item #44 until the next council session to give residents more time to understand and give meaningful input on the restrictions for a covenant before they support.  

T1NC Steering Committee 

T1NC Zoning & Land Use Committee

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WNAC Letter re YWCA rezoning for Human Campus asking for more time for residents to give input

March 14, 2022

Dear Councilmember,

The Westwood Square Neighborhood Association (D5) & Los Jardines Neighborhood Association (D6), held a community meeting on Saturday, March 12th regarding the YWCA zoning case.  The meeting was to inform the community of the process and discuss the zoning change that was approved by the zoning commission on Tuesday, March 15th, and to advise on the choices of what is at stake for the neighborhood including discussion on covenants/deed restrictions, and the site plan.  The community/ neighborhoods were advised that the YWCA zoning case is scheduled to go to Council on Thursday, March 17th.  The community/neighborhoods voted for more time to continue the conversation and to process what was discussed at the meeting regarding the covenants/deed restrictions and the site plan. District 5 & 6 staff were present at the meeting and are aware of this request.  We believe that those who are affected by this decision have a right to be involved in the decision-making process.  Westwood Square NA & Los Jardines NA are submitting this Request to City Council for a Continuance of two weeks ( till March 31st ) to secure solutions that work for the community. We are hopeful that with this reasonable request we can find a resolution. 

Looking forward to your response.

Respectfully submitted,

Velma Pena, President

Westwood Square Neighborhood Association

Westside Neighborhood Associations Coalition (WNAC)

Erik Estrada, President – Los Jardines Neighborhood Association

Westside Neighborhood Associations Coalition (WNAC)

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Letter to Elected Representatives from Gardendale NA re: illegal dumping and issues of homelessness with additional comments by West End Hope and Action NA

Written by Maricela Garza and Rafael Garza

This letter is being written to bring to light some of the issues the Gardendale Neighborhood Community is experiencing.  Gardendale Neighborhood Association is asking for assistance, direction and the ability to proactively work together to address the mentioned concerns affecting our neighborhood areas.  

The Gardendale Neighborhood Community has been seeing a continued increase in homeless foot traffic in our residential streets and more recently an increase in illegal dumping in our living areas.  The illegal dumping is exacerbating the homeless traffic as they sift through the dumped items and scatter the mess on to streets and properties.  It is as if businesses, surrounding non-profit agencies and even some of the community residents have become numb about reporting leaving the issue to become the norm for our living area. 

As leaders of this community, we cannot turn a blind eye on this issues at hand as the matter will only worsen if left unattended.  With the new development planned for Houston St & Frio with The Alamo Construction Community, the Cattleman Square  area and Scobey’s, buildings, Gardendale Neighborhood Association is requesting we all be proactive to address these concerns.  

Gardendale Neighborhood Association is requesting a meeting be set up with all those involved with regards to these concerns and also requesting to be included in any discussions that may inadvertently affect our community.  The Gardendale Neighborhood Association is on board for growth and progress as long as it keeps the best interest and safety of the community in mind.  As project developers request letters of endorsement and support, us leaders representing the community need to have a voice in the safety measures that need to be put in place as we are the affected community.    As mentioned prior to developers interested in our community areas, while the new development areas are protected and cleaned out for the upcoming project areas to look presentable for their marketing, the communities are being overlooked and over-run with the homeless going deeper into the community areas and and residential homes.   

We are looking for progress in the community area/ district that can be a benefit to all;  not just the new projects.  A prime example is that of a sign that was just captured in the McDonalds property on Houston St. The sign reads:  NO SOLICITATION, NO LOITERING, NO TRESPASSING…..Persons found to be soliciting on McDonalds Property will be subjected to arrest.    This is the kind of action the community would like to see in the community property areas particularly surrounding the Haven for Hope, GI Forum area and around the non-profit agencies not collaborating with the community and not complying with city guidelines.  

Please also see additional attached attached pictures that depict some of what Gardendale Neighborhood Association and the community are living / seeing.  Please remember, as leaders of this community, Gardendale Neighborhood Association serves as your eyes and ears for what is happening in the community areas you represent.  Gardendale asks that you respond timely with a meeting set up to have our concerns heard so that our community does not become part of the forgotten as new development comes in to our areas.  

Thank you,

Maricela Garza and Rafael Garza

Gardendale Neighborhood Association 


WEHA Response to Gardendale’s concerns. Written by Carlos Gonzalez

Thank you Gardendale for being the eyes and conscience of city leadership and politics. Homelessness is a city and county wide issue and the Mayor and County Judge should call a HAVEN Summit to assess the operations of Haven for Hope and find out why they are unwilling and unable to effectively communicate with the surrounding neighborhoods. Senator Menendez also represents this area, as does too State Rep. Diego Bernal- where are they in this fight? Where is Justin Rodriguez who heads up the Haven Community Affairs Dept? is the UTSA urban serving effort? What happened to the early promises that Haven would be monitored and ADJUST to obvious challenges? There has been no adjustment as dozens of mostly men, daily wander and hang out in our neighborhood because Haven offers no free transportation back to their own neighborhood.

Every single city council candidate should be held accountable regarding the homelessness situation in San Antonio and in particular their views on how to make Haven more accountable, accessible, transparent- and either greatly improved or RE-LOCATED.

Carlos Gonzalez

Cochair

West End Hope in Action

An example of illegal dumping in Gardendale
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Request from HWRA re Alazan Loft Project

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.

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Historic Westside Residents Association’s (HWRA) letter to Mayor Nirenberg re Alazan Lofts

Note: This issue centers around early meaningful public input, compliance with community plan, and design (intensity), not density and affordability.

Read: – —Maria Anglin’s column, “Gentrification Fears are Very Real” about the Alazan project. -The SA Heron’s article on development and gentrification on the Westside and “SAHA board gives nod to build St. Mary’s Tower with Dallas developer JMJ” which explains the Alazan project and SAHA’s partnership with market rate developers

Dear Mayor Nirenberg,

Please be advised that on Monday, July 29, 2019, the Historic Westside Resident Association met with representatives from the NRP Group, San Antonio Housing Authority, Brown and Ortiz Associates, and District 5 to discuss the Alazan Loft development.

The following neighborhood associations were in attendance as well: Westside Preservation Alliance, Tier One Neighborhood Coalition, Westside Neighborhood Association Coalition and the Esperanza Peace & Justice Center. The purpose of this meeting was to discuss the proposed site plan for Alazan Loft. We want to make clear that the Historic Westside Resident Association supports the development of affordable housing in our historic Westside community. However, the proposed site plan submitted by the NRP Group does not meet with the Guadalupe Westside Community Plan requirements.

  • The Alazan Loft site plan must be revised to meet the guidelines of the Guadalupe Westside Community Plan.
  • All buildings on all lots should be a maximum of two (2) stories with 20’ setbacks from sidewalks to adhere to the Guadalupe Westside Community Plan and neighborhood character.
  • Reduce parking spaces to accommodate the revised site plan for two -story structures.
  • Add heat sinks such as landscape islands on parking lots.
  • Introduce green space which would include buffer landscape and street scape to adhere to the neighborhood character.
  • Elevation drawings (black and white) for the two story structures for the revised site plan.

The following issues were presented, discussed and requested from the development side:

We are also very concerned about our neighborhood residents being uprooted and displaced during and after this major construction process.

Please note that SAHA spokesman, Michael Reyes, expressed in the Rivard Report (July 26, 2019) the importance of gathering “feedback from all neighborhood associations and community leaders to make sure we are building something that reflects the neighborhood”.

Of major concern is the fact that our Historic Westside Resident Association and the organizations listed were informed of only two, not 17, community meetings sponsored by SAHA and the NRP Group. These two meetings in 1st Quarter 2019 offered the associations very limited time for community engagement.

There were no additional notifications or discussions until the Historic Westside Resident Association was informed on July 8, 2019 via U.S. mail of the Zoning Commission hearing scheduled for July 16th, 2019. The hearing was for the NRP Group request in zoning change from MF-33 to IDZ 3.

In summary, we have requested that the NRP Group submit a revised site plan to meet the above listed points under IDZ-3 with conditions. We will meet again on Friday, August 2, 2019, at 4:00pm with the goal of receiving a revised site plan that adheres to the Guadalupe Westside Community Plan and reflective of the character of the neighborhood.  We hope for an agreed upon revised site plan before City Council review on August 22, 2019.

Mayor Nirenberg, as you review the needs of the residents of the Westside neighborhoods, please remember your commitment to the Housing Policy Task Force as well as the protection of our historic San Antonio neighborhoods.

Respectfully Submitted,

Amelia Valdez

Chairperson of Historic Westside Resident Association

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Demolitions Lead to Increased Property Taxes

On April 14, 2019, Bexar County Chief Appraiser, Michael Amezquita told the San Antonio Express News that the “biggest horror shows” when it comes to property tax increases are, “Anything within 3 miles of the Pearl.” Among many near-downtown neighborhoods, he specifically called out Tobin Hill North.

In 2016 a developer bought two older but structurally sound duplexes at 421 and 425 E. Mistletoe Ave. in Tobin Hill North. They obtained a demolition permit, cleared the land and built six two-story houses, facing a center drive. In some cities, they call these slot homes, and in 2018, Denver passed an ordinance which does not allow themto be built there any longer. The houses on Mistletoe were completed this spring and they sold for between $325,000 and $370,000 each. And they are driving our property taxes up.

Of course, most people will tell you is that these new, two-story houses will not be used as a comparable property with our older, single-story bungalows and cottages. They are right, the improvements portion of your tax valuation won’t use these new houses as comps. However, that only accounts for part of your tax valuation.

New house next to an existing one on E Mistletoe Ave.

Between 2015 and 2017, the Bexar Appraisal District increased only the improvements portion of the appraisal by about $2000 on my house, which is across the street from the new Mistletoe development. In that same time, the land value went from $25,000 to $61,000. This is about a 144% increase in just two years. The 2019 valuation has now increased our land value to $177,290. It has nearly doubled again, a 369% increase over four years. 

Sometime between 2015 and now, the Appraisal District realized that the original house on each lot could be torn down and three could be built in its place. Try going to Bexar Appraisal District and arguing that your landis not worth what they say it is.

Since January 2019, the Office of Historic Preservation has received seven demolition applications for Tobin Hill. Of those, three have been approved, two are on hold for evaluation by the Historic Design Review Commission, and two, 430 and 434 E. Magnolia, are still awaiting a decision by OHP. 

Like the properties on Mistletoe, 430 and 434 E. Magnolia are on a quaint and quiet street on the northern end of Tobin Hill.  While this part of Tobin Hill is not currently designated as Historic, it is surrounded on all four sides by Historic Districts: Monte Vista to the north and west, River Road to the east, and the Tobin Hill Historic District to the south. These two homes would be contributing to structures to a future Historic District in this area which has been identified in the past as being eligible for Historic Designation. 

400 block of E Magnolia and E Mistletoe

The applications for the demolition of these houses on E. Magnolia have generated a lot of neighborhood concern. OHP received 24 letters of opposition to the proposed demolition of these homes. This far exceeds what OHP’s Scout SA team typically receives for demolition applications. It was enough that Shanon Shea-Miller, Director of the City of San Antonio’s Office of Historic Preservation, requested a site meeting between Scout SA and the property owner. 

During the meeting with the property owner, we discovered that the owner believes he can get a better offer on the land if it is vacant. However, these houses are occupied and in good structural condition. Demolition should be a last resort, not a quick path to making a buck.  While the Appraisal District views the land as more valuable than the houses built on them, to the renters living there, this is home. 

When taxes go up, it makes it hard to stay in your home. This is how many homeowners go from living in housing that is affordable to becoming cost-burdened by their home. Landlords in my neighborhood, unable to get a homestead exemption on their rental properties, will need to raise rents to cover increased property taxes. Land values that have doubled, or in cases like mine, gone up 369% in just 4 years, mean that rents will rise to compensate for this increase. It is likely that many renters who could afford a place in Tobin Hill North in 2015 will soon be so cost-burdened they will have to find somewhere else to go.

430 and 434 E. Magnolia, photo from Google

430 and 434 E Magnolia are not stunning. They are not what some would consider worthy of a Landmark status. They are humble homes, and some of the last remaining affordable housing we have in Tobin Hill North. They are currently providing affordable housing in an area where finding an apartment or house to live in is becoming increasingly expensive.  The demolition of these homes, which are both currently occupied, and in sound structural condition, will cause the direct displacement of these residents. 

We need to focus on preserving the affordable housing that we already have. San Antonio’s Housing Policy Framework specifically calls for the preservation of naturally-occurring affordable housing, especially rental units, like the duplex at 430 E Magnolia and the home behind it at 434 E Magnolia.  The Policy calls for the prevention and mitigation of displacement, and the need to address the impact of rising property taxes on housing affordability. 

It is clear that in neighborhoods like Tobin Hill North, affordability is tied to the land valuation. Demolitions like the ones proposed on E. Magnolia should be vehemently opposed. Our city: Development Services, the Office of Historic Preservation, our City Council and our Mayor should be denying requests for demolitions on houses that are structurally sound, and especially those that are occupied. It is in the best interests of not only those currently in need of affordable housing, but also of those who live nearby, who don’t want to see exponential growth in their tax bill every year. 

430 and 434 E. Magnolia will go before the Historic Design Review Commission for consideration of Landmark Designation in order to prevent demolition on May 1 at 5:00pm. The Tobin Hill Community Association would appreciate letters in support of the Landmark Designation of 430 and 434 E. Magnolia. Statements can be emailed to jessica.anderson@sanantonio.gov

We are also asking for community support in attending the hearing and speaking in favor of the Landmark designation. If you intend to speak, please sign up in person at 1901 S. Alamo St. on the day of the hearing. You may sign up anytime between 2:30 and 5:00 PM before the cases are heard.  

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Request from Tobin Hill at HDRC

Also read: NOWCASTSA’s excellent article: Tobin Hill neighborhood history, character is under fire by city and developers

April 18, 2019 Update from Anisa Schell (THCA Board):

Some of you may already be aware of the proposed demolitions of 430 and 434 E Magnolia. Because of the outcry of concern from the community, and after visiting the site with the Designation/Demolition Committee, the Office of Historic Preservation has decided to move forward with requests for Historic designation of both structures. The cases will be heard at the Historic and Design Review Commission Wednesday, May 1, no earlier than 5 PM in the first-floor boardroom at 1901 S Alamo.

The hearing is public and anyone may attend. 
In the past, it has been very helpful to have a large community of supporters attend and speak at the hearing.  You may sign up to speak before the hearing, anytime between 2:30 and when the case is heard (no sooner than 5:00pm).  

Each person will have three minutes to speak, but a short statement of support is all that is necessary. For example, you can use your time to say something like, “I am Anisa Schell and I live at 430 E. Mistletoe Ave. I support the Landmark Designation of these two houses. 430 and 434 E Magnolia are homes that contribute to the historic nature of the street and our neighborhood. They should not be torn down. Please designate these houses to protect them. Thank you.” 
In addition to speaking at the hearing, writing letters of support for the designation of these houses ahead of time is helpful.  Please send emails to Jessica.Anderson@sanantonio.gov. Your email should state that you support the Landmark Designation of 430 and 434 E Magnolia and make sure to include your name and address.  

The emails forwarded below provide a little more insight into what has happened so far with these properties. Also attached is the statement I wrote opposing the demolition of these properties. 

Tobin Hill Community Association needs your support for the historic designation of the two houses at 307 & 309-311 E. Evergreen.  

Demolition applications were filed for these houses in February. In researching the houses, it was discovered that 307 E. Evergreen was the home of Robert G. Cole who went to West Point, and later received the Medal of Honor for his bayonet charge during the Normandy Invasion. Cole has a video game character and local high school named after him (where Shaquille O’Neal went to school as well).

In its more recent history, 311 E Evergreen became locally known as “That Place Off Evergreen.” It was a local recording studio and live music venue, contributing to Tobin Hill’s culture of local music and the performing arts.

307 E Evergreen – photo by CoSA Office of Historic Preservation

The adjacent house, 307 E Evergreen, is known as The Cole House, as well as the former offices of Mujeres Unidas:

“Cole House is also significant in the area of social history for its associations with women’s civic history in the city of San Antonio. Clara Hoff Cole, the house’s longest continuous resident, moved into the house in 1919 and remained until her death in 1949. During that time she was a working professional and single mother of three children, teaching in the Tobin Hill neighborhood at Nathaniel Hawthorne, Jr. High School until sometime around 1944, when she had begun teaching at Mark Twain High School. Her involvement in the community and her son Robert’s military service attracted fairly constant attention from city newspapers through the 1920s, 30s, and 40s. Several decades later the Cole House became the office location of Mujeres Unidas, a charitable organization established in 1994 by Yolanda Rodriguez-Escobar to serve local women and Latinx community members with HIV/AIDS… Although their tenure at the Cole House happened within the past fifty years, it is still noteworthy and adds to the significance of the property in the area of social history and cultural heritage for the community of the Tobin Hill neighborhood and city of San Antonio.”
–Excerpt from 307 E Evergreen Statement of Significance, written and collected by Stephen Fonzo

These cases will go before the Historic Design Review Commission on April 17, 2019 at 5:30PM. Staff is recommending approval of the Landmark designations, however the property owner has not consented. If the homes are not designated, they will be demolished to make room for a multi-unit housing development.  

Your support at the hearing on Wed., April 17 would be appreciated.  The cases are “time certain” and are scheduled to be heard at 5:30PM. You may sign up at the One-Stop, 1901 S. Alamo, to speak any time from about 2:30 P.M. up until the time when the case is heard. (i.e., 5:00).  Emailed comments may be sent ahead of time to the case officer, Jessica Anderson, Jessica.Anderson@sanantonio.gov.

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Request by Denver Heights for Help in Zoning Case

Request from Denver Heights’ resident, Alan Neff, asking for neighborhoods support against this zoning case that will be heard Tuesday, April 2ndat 1 p.m at One Stop. 

Update: Case postponed

Addition based on letter sent by Cynthia Spielman (the next two paragraphs): Inner-city neighborhoods face extraordinary challenges as they become “hot” real estate and speculators and developers purchase property to build. We face issues of unaffordability and displacement, degradation of once resilient neighborhoods and the destruction of legacy homes some more than a hundred years old. And like any crises, the challenges we face has created opportunities for revelation and visioning. Inner city neighborhoods do not oppose growth and change, but they want change and growth that is compatible, affordable, sustainable, and honors the existing culture. It seems like this quality is what the City of San Antonio has promoted through it SA Tomorrow Comprehensive Plan. 

I am asking that you think of this as developers, like this one, come with their requests.  Developers don’t lie to us: their interest is strictly monetary. They exist to make money for themselves and their investors. There is nothing wrong with that.  It is up to you to find that balance between a developer’s interest and the interests of the community in which they build. How much is enough? That is for the neighborhood residents and the developer to work out, but if they can’t, it is up to you to define what intensity of development creates good in a neighborhood and which helps to destroy its fabric. In this case it is clear that the proposed  development is not compatible in its intensity. Maximizing profit is simply not reason enough to burden a neighborhood. The following are good reasons to deny the applicant’s request: 

  • The request to change zoning from RM-4 to IDZ-2 at the 422 S Hackberry St property is not compatible with the existing neighborhood context. 
  • This development is proposing four dwellings that are three stories tall with roof terraces. The property is a generous size for what was originally intended for a four-plex to set on an historic inner city neighborhood. 
  • This developer is requesting a change to IDZ-2 zoning not because this is a difficult to develop infill lot, but because they want to maximize profit by building to the maximum potential lot area to the detriment of the surrounding community.  
  • The reduction of the 20- foot setback required by the RM-4 zoning to a 5-foot setback as allowed in the IDZ-2 zoning would allow a density and scale greater than anything around in the neighborhood. 
  • This combined with the requested parking reduction would add stress to an already stressed parking situation in the area.  
  • The garages are proposed at the ground level to face S Hackberry setting up a dangerous vehicular and pedestrian situation on this major thoroughfare. 
  • The proposed zoning change requested to support these $450,000 and up luxury homes is not supporting the master plans of the community nor is it supporting the community itself. 
  • Staff has recommended denial. 

Please support Denver Heights by writing or speaking against this requested zoning change. 

If you can’t attend the meeting you could write a letter/ email to the Zoning Commission. 

Send to 

Marco.hinojosa@sanantonio.gov

Re: ZONING CASE # Z-2019-10700012

412 S Hackberry