Council approves planned development rezoning for Baptist retirement community; residents raise access and safety concerns

The San Angelo City Council voted to approve PD25-01 on May 20, 2025, a planned development rezoning that consolidates multiple parcels used by a Baptist retirement community and establishes an underlying RM-1 (low‑rise multifamily) base with modifications to lot sizes and other development standards. The rezoning, which the planning staff described as covering roughly 70 acres in the Reagan/Paul Ann neighborhood, passed on a 6-0 vote.

Aaron Vannoy, director of Planning and Development Services, told the council the planned development would consolidate properties that currently have a mix of zoning and would allow a range of housing types on the campus — single-family, duplex, some multi-unit structures and a five-story “high-rise” building that is explicitly allowed by the development standards. Vannoy said the planned development also addresses nonconforming side yards and lot sizes created by earlier construction and enables future replats and permitting to make lots conforming.

Council members noted the rezoning is a first step in a multi‑step process that could help residents regain property-tax exemptions. A councilmember said the appraisal district had previously sent letters notifying Baptist Memorial, Christian Village East and Rio Concho that exemptions were in jeopardy. Vannoy confirmed the zoning approval is required before the property owners can pursue subsequent plats and improvements.

During public comment, Dr. Joyce Morin Smith, a resident at Baptist Memorial, described the population and mobility needs in the community and urged attention to access and safety. She said residents’ ages range from about 62 to 105 with a median age she described as 84 and that many residents use motorized wheelchairs to reach mailboxes, pharmacies and medical appointments. Dr. Morin Smith said some streets and sidewalks on the campus are too narrow for safe wheelchair access and that many of the internal streets are privately owned by Baptist Memorial.

Council members responded that the action before them was a zoning change and that more detailed planning and development review — including platting, street standards and infrastructure upgrades — would come in subsequent steps. Staff noted part of the owner’s plan is to upgrade streets so they could be accepted by the city for maintenance, if and when those standards are met.

Planning Commission recommended approval at its April meeting by a 4-0 vote. The council approved PD25-01 with the stated intent that future platting and development review would address parking, drainage, sidewalks and street access.

No amendments to the plan were made at the May 20 council hearing. Council members and staff acknowledged litigation related to portions of the property had been raised but said zoning approval before the council does not resolve ongoing legal matters; city staff said any legal disputes are separate from the zoning decision.

Council directed follow-up through the planning approval pipeline and encouraged residents concerned about street and sidewalk configurations to participate in future planning meetings.