Commission approves rezoning of 5.17‑acre East Bird Road parcel to R‑2 despite resident concerns

The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of a rezoning application to change a 5.165‑acre parcel at 10971 East Bird Road from A‑1 (agricultural) to R‑2 (medium‑density single‑family residential) to permit an 18‑lot single‑family subdivision.

Planning staff said the lot is currently agricultural, classified in the future land use map as rural residential, and that the proposed development would include required on‑site ponding, sidewalks and other typical infrastructure. The applicant’s representative, Enrique Escobar, said the development will connect to the nearby new Horizon Park subdivision sewer and that the proposed street (Barquera) will provide an additional neighborhood exit and a 60‑foot right of way to improve emergency access.

Several nearby residents spoke during a reopened public hearing, including Ana Ordonez and Cesar Ordonez, who said they have lived in the adjacent neighborhood for decades and described two recent sewage backups near Burt/Bert Road and safety concerns on narrow streets. Cesar Ordonez said the area is peaceful and that adding 18 homes and new access could worsen traffic and infrastructure problems.

Commissioners and staff responded that the development as proposed must meet city requirements for lot size, on‑site ponding and sidewalks; staff said utilities will be routed to the current developer infrastructure rather than directly to affected back‑street lines. Commissioner Enrique Cisneros moved to approve the rezoning per staff recommendation; Commissioner Julie Dominguez seconded and the motion passed (recorded votes indicated a mix of ayes, a nay and an abstention). The commission will forward its recommendation to City Council for public hearing and final action on March 20.