The San Antonio City Council on Oct. 16 voted to continue consideration of a rezoning and specific use request for a wireless communication system at 603 Pruitt Avenue to the Dec. 4 meeting after public comment that included both opposition and support.

City staff recommended denial of the request; the Zoning Commission recommended approval. The applicant asked for a reduced setback from residential property; the request presented a monopole with a 196.5-foot setback from the nearest structure, short of the 200-foot figure cited by some opponents as preferable.

Jack M. Finger spoke against the proposal, calling towers “monstrosities” and citing staff concerns about commercial encroachment and inadequate setbacks. Finger urged the council to deny the request rather than continue it.

Property owner Leon Dackbrecht and AT&T representative Vince Hebert (representing AT&T) spoke in support. Dackbrecht described long-standing mixed residential and commercial patterns at the site and said he had agreed to the proposed siting. Hebert said AT&T had worked with the Collins Garden Neighborhood Association on coverage issues and presented maps the company said showed improved mobile and in-building coverage and FirstNet capabilities; he also said the company had provided an RF-exposure comparison to demonstrate levels below common household sources.

Councilmember Sandra Castillo moved to continue the item to Dec. 4; the motion carried (vote tally not specified in the meeting record). The applicant indicated willingness to demolish the existing house on the property if the project proceeds. The staff summary cited 14 mailed notices with no returned in favor or opposition, and the Collins Garden Neighborhood Association was listed as in favor in the staff report.