Commission continues rezoning case for Boxwood Road property after neighbor protests

The commission continued consideration of a rezoning request for 4211 Boxwood Road after public comment raised concerns about neighborhood notice, property use and longstanding disputes between neighbors and the applicant.

Staff described the proposal as a request to rezone the site to allow up to R-6 density to enable three single-family homes on the combined lots. The applicant’s representative, Elizabeth Freezel, said the plan was for three single-family houses, not duplexes or apartments, and that the owner would remove an existing metal structure on the site as part of the project.

Several callers and residents spoke in opposition, saying the property has caused disturbances and that changing the zoning could worsen traffic and lower nearby property values. One caller said notices were not received by some neighbors; the preservation society asked that the case be postponed so the neighborhood association could receive notices and participate.

Commissioner Hinojosa and others urged the applicant to meet with neighbors. After discussion, the commission voted to continue the case to the commission’s September 2 meeting to allow outreach and additional information to be provided to neighbors.

The applicant indicated willingness to meet neighbors and to provide translations or interpreters if needed; staff confirmed the request to amend to R-6 was intended to simplify site planning because R-6 allows the proposed lot and unit count within existing standards.