Converse planning panel recommends R‑2 rezoning, forwards annexation to City Council after resident concerns

The City of Converse Planning and Zoning Commission on Feb. 24 voted to recommend rezoning an 11.902‑acre tract near 101 Peaceful Lane from R‑1 and areas outside the city limits to R‑2 (duplex) and to forward the annexation petition to City Council for final action.

The recommendation, made by Commissioner Danny Muth and seconded on the floor, passed after public comment and staff presentation; one commissioner recorded an opposing vote at the roll call. Assistant City Manager Nyne Hendricks briefed the commission and said the annexation petition was received Jan. 27 and that voluntary annexation would make the full site subject to city standards and city police and fire service. "The purpose behind this annexation is that it would ensure that the subdivision meets the minimum city standards and provides uniform services such as police and fire," Hendricks said.

Staff and applicant presentations

Ken Brown, who identified himself as the applicant's representative, described the site and the proposal. Brown said the overall tract is about 11 acres, with approximately 7.743 acres outside the city limits and the remainder inside the current limits; he showed a preliminary layout and renderings. Brown said the developer (identified in the presentation as Empire Homes) proposed market‑rate duplex product and that the submitted concept included either 37 lots…