Planning commission approves American Legion late‑hour permit over neighborhood objections

The City of Alpine Planning and Zoning Commission voted to approve Special Use Permit 2025‑03‑01, allowing American Legion Post No. 79 to obtain a Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission late‑hour certificate to remain open until 2 a.m. on specified nights.

The decision came after public comment from neighbors who said extended hours would harm quality of life and raise safety concerns. Shelly Atwood, a resident of Ward 2, told the commission she lives “just 200 feet from the American Legion” and opposed the permit, saying late hours would “send drunk drivers out onto our streets” and describing a past stabbing near her house. Atwood said the neighborhood has seen increased short‑term rentals and other commercial activity that she believes has reduced residents’ peace and safety.

Andy Ramos, commander at American Legion Post No. 79, said the post would use later hours only for weekends and holidays. Ramos told the commission the post returns funds to the community, saying, “We donate a hundred and $25,000 back to the community,” and described the post’s volunteer and veteran support activities. A Legion member, who identified himself as Sammy, said bands and DJs at the post generally play indoors and that the post has not received noise citations.

Commission discussion referenced the city’s noise rules and the difference between on‑premise permits and separate late‑hour certificates. City staff explained that live music and amplified events require permits and that noise limits apply by zoning district. Commissioners noted existing establishments that operate to 2 a.m. and said enforcement of noise and public‑safety rules would remain in effect if the permit was granted.

The commission approved the special use permit by roll call. Commissioners recorded in the roll call included Commissioner Lohner (aye), Commissioner Kara Gogler (aye), Commissioner Laczdens (aye), Commissioner Nicks (no), and an additional aye vote that completed the majority; the motion carried and the permit was approved.

The permit application covers the property at 306 West Soradasa Avenue, described in the record as parcel 11884, currently zoned C2 Business District. The approval leaves the zoning classification unchanged. City staff said the applicant must still complete any state‑level licensing with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission and comply with city noise and special‑event permit requirements for outdoor bands or amplified sound.

Neighbors who spoke said they wanted the city to prioritize downtown growth over locating later‑hour uses in residential neighborhoods. The applicant and its supporters said later hours would be limited and used to support the post’s fundraising and veteran programs.

The commission moved the item to the next municipal step following the vote; the record shows the special use permit approved and forwarded per the normal ordinance process.