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Assisted-living conditional-use at 14618 Santa Gertrude continued to July 1 after neighbor concerns
Summary
A request to allow an assisted-living facility for up to 16 residents was continued to July 1 to give the applicant time to consult with neighbors and the El Chaparral neighborhood association; applicant said he would begin operations with six residents and pursue licensing.
The Zoning Commission continued a request to rezone 14618 Santa Gertrude Street to R-6 with a conditional use for an assisted-living facility (up to 16 residents) to the July 1 hearing following public comment and a request from commissioners for additional neighborhood outreach.
Staff presented the request and recommended approval conditional on an approved site plan and compliance with applicable overlays. Applicant Mario San Roman said he and his family have operated assisted-living facilities in McAllen for 28 years, described staffing plans (one employee per four residents), and said residents would generally be ambulatory or receive physician house calls. He told the commission his facilities emphasize background checks for staff and limited ambulance calls.
Neighbors expressed concerns about traffic, property values and the proximity of a proposed facility to family homes and children. Kevin Edward Clark, who owns property adjacent to the site, said he and other neighbors worried about ambulance traffic and the effect on home values. Several voicemail callers and public speakers expressed opposition or asked for more information.
Commissioners asked whether the applicant would accept a two-week continuance; the applicant agreed. Commissioner Woodson moved to continue the item to July 1 to allow the applicant and neighbors — including the El Chaparral Neighborhood Association and the adjacent homeowner — time to meet and discuss site details. The motion passed by roll call. The applicant said he plans to start with six residents under existing licensing rules and pursue any expansion through the conditional-use process.
What to expect: The applicant will meet with neighbors and the neighborhood association and return to the commission on July 1 with any changes requested by neighbors or additional information. Staff noted that under the requested zoning applicants must maintain a residential appearance, limit signage, and comply with prescribed hours and buffering requirements.
