McAllen commission denies rezoning for proposed Lark Avenue pool event center

McAllen — The McAllen City Commission voted unanimously to deny a rezoning request that would have changed a property on Lark Avenue from single‑family residential (R‑1) to neighborhood commercial (C‑2) so the owner could open a small, rentable pool event facility.

The applicant’s representative, Kelly Veil with Reoplex Engineering, told commissioners the pool would primarily be rented by nearby homeowners for family gatherings and that the site is small and has limited alternative commercial uses. Veil said the owner planned to pursue a conditional use permit if the rezoning succeeded and that the facility would be fenced and provide the required parking.

Commission discussion focused on consistency with the Envision McCallum future land‑use plan, which designates the area as a “complete community” and primarily single‑family residential. One commissioner raised concerns that the parcel sits between established residential neighborhoods and that locating commercial zoning in the middle of that area could create traffic, visibility and character impacts; the same commissioner suggested the site would be better placed nearer the established commercial node at Ware and Benson.

Planning & Zoning Commission had considered the rezoning on Aug. 5, 2025, and—according to city staff—voted unanimously to recommend denial. Commissioners leaned on that recommendation during debate. A motion to disapprove the rezoning passed on a voice vote; the mayor announced “motion carries.” No member of the public registered opposition during the hearing.

The denial leaves open the option for the owner to pursue other permitted uses or to seek a conditional use permit for other zones if zoning allows; the applicant stated they had paused the CUP process pending the rezoning outcome.