The Laredo Planning and Zoning Commission voted Dec. 19 to postpone action on a request to rezone approximately 3.8 acres east of Loop and south of Date Palm Drive from R-1 (single-family residential) to R-2 (multi-family residential) after residents and commissioners requested more information.

The applicant, Charcoal Land Sales LLC, proposed the change to allow apartments; staff recommended approval and noted the site’s location adjacent to existing R-2 zoning and an under-construction street (Clear Choice Drive). The staff report said 28 notices were mailed; the packet recorded one outside comment in opposition and otherwise described the site, future land use and buffers.

Neighbors voiced concerns at the hearing about property values, privacy and potential noise, trash and pest issues associated with multi-family development. Rosie Maya, who identified herself as a nearby property owner, urged that single-family development would be more appropriate for the site and cited worries about views into backyards and vermin.

Commissioners asked staff whether the rezoning followed the comprehensive plan and whether roadway access and buffering had been studied; staff said the general area contains R-2 to the east and south and that buffers and access from Clear Choice Drive were being considered. Because several questions remained about unit count, access and buffering, a commissioner moved to postpone the item to a specific future meeting to allow the developer and staff to provide additional information; the motion to postpone was seconded and carried unanimously.

Next steps: the matter was postponed to the commission’s next meeting (the packet and staff noted January 2 as the next meeting date). Staff and the applicant were asked to supply more specific plans for access, unit counts and neighborhood buffering prior to the continued hearing.