Helotes Council approves voluntary annexation and development agreement for two parcels near FM 1560 and Shane Field

The Helotes City Council on Jan. 23 approved a voluntary annexation petition by CSW Shane Field Limited Partnership for two parcels totaling about 6.714 acres near the intersection of FM 1560 and Shane Field and also approved a development agreement that includes specified variances.

Council described the property as two tracts: Track 1 at 2.432 acres (Bearcat tax ID 236168) and Track 2 at 4.45 acres (Bearcat tax ID 236169). The parcels border FM 1560 and wrap around the CVS at the intersection, and council members said the site will allow multiple building sites.

Councilmembers said there are no financial incentives tied to the annexation. The development agreement incorporates several variances, including an allowance for building heights up to 40 feet across most of the property and a requested 45-foot structure in one rear area. The agreement also reduces a rear setback in one location but requires the developer to build a wider driveway around a rear building to permit fire-truck access — a feature council members said would improve safety compared with what would be required under Bexar County standards.

Council members spoke in favor of annexation on grounds that it lets Helotes influence development aesthetics and capture sales tax revenue; one council member noted the city had identified the area for annexation in an older EDC growth plan. The council approved item 8 (annexation) and item 9 (development agreement) by voice vote.

Public comment at the hearing included nearby resident David Lee, who asked whether annexation would change sewer and water access; council and staff said water and sewer connections are handled by SAWS (the San Antonio Water System) and not specified as part of the annexation agreement.

The approvals authorize the city to receive the properties into city limits and bind them to the development agreement and variances as written in the agenda item.