Laredo City Council considers multiple zoning changes for residential developments

The Planning & Zoning Commission of Laredo convened on April 17, 2025, to address several zoning ordinance amendments. The meeting focused on rezoning requests and conditional use permits, with discussions reflecting community concerns and staff recommendations.

The first item on the agenda involved a request to rezone Lot 1, Block 9 of the Santa Rita Subdivision, located at 901 Lope De Vega Drive, from R-1A to R-1MH. The applicant, Oscar de Aleniza, proposed to establish a manufactured home on the property. Public feedback revealed four objections from residents within 200 feet of the site and two outside that radius. Staff recommended against the rezoning, and after a brief public hearing, the commission voted unanimously to support the staff's recommendation, effectively denying the request.

Next, the commission reviewed a proposal to rezone Lot 8, Block 1512, Eastern Division, at 2502 East Frost Street, from R-1 to R-3. The applicants, Jose and Miriam Ramirez, sought to add a second single-family dwelling at the rear of the property. Public opposition was voiced by a resident concerned about increased traffic and neighborhood character. Despite the objections, the commission again sided with staff recommendations, voting to deny the rezoning request.

The third item discussed involved a request to rezone Lots 8 and 10, Block 347, Eastern Division, located at 2802 Springfield Avenue, from B-1 to R-3 for a second manufactured home. Staff supported this change, and no public opposition was recorded. The commission approved the request following a public hearing.

Lastly, the commission considered a conditional use permit for a hospital on Lot 1, Block 3, Clear Choice 2, and Lot 2, Block 3, Alexander Bartlett Commercial Phase 15, at 1701 and 1705 North Bartlett Avenue. The proposal faced staff opposition, and during the public hearing, representatives from Clear Choice Emergency Room spoke in favor of the project. However, the commission ultimately decided to uphold the staff's recommendation against the permit.

In summary, the meeting highlighted the commission's commitment to community input and staff recommendations, resulting in the denial of several rezoning requests while approving one. The commission's decisions reflect ongoing efforts to balance development with neighborhood concerns in Laredo.