Commission postpones proposed truck-driving school near Arboretum to allow more study and neighbor outreach

The Zoning Commission continued consideration of a rezoning request to allow a truck-driving school and truck storage on part of a roughly 27-acre property near the I-410 corridor to its Aug. 5 meeting, after the Arboretum of San Antonio and several commissioners asked for more study and coordination.

Samantha Benavides, a city planner, presented the case. The applicant’s representative said the overall site is about 27 acres and the applicant was requesting rezoning for approximately 5 acres along the roadway to accommodate the driving school and truck parking. The applicant said the location along I-410 made the site appropriate for truck access.

Adriana Quiñones, who identified herself as executive director and president of the Arboretum of San Antonio, told the commission the arboretum is not within the 200-foot noticing area and only recently learned of the proposal through Brooks authorities. Quiñones said the proposed site lies roughly “less than 3,000 feet” from the arboretum’s boundary and expressed concerns about noise, diesel emissions and how truck access could affect the arboretum’s planned entry points and emergency access. She asked the applicant and city staff to work with the arboretum on mitigation measures.

The applicant’s representative said the full 27-acre parcel contains commercial-zoned tracts and that only five acres were proposed for the rezoning; he indicated a willingness to coordinate on access and buffering. Commissioners discussed whether a lighter industrial district (I-1) or a site-specific industrial-light designation could better limit permitted uses while still allowing the driving school. Staff noted that an I-1 or an industrial-light designation typically requires site plans and specific UDC compliance (impervious cover, access, fencing and parking) at the development permit stage.

Commissioner Georgie Hinojosa moved to postpone the case to the Aug. 5 meeting to provide time for additional coordination; Commissioner Taylor Watson seconded the motion. The commission took a roll-call vote and the motion passed unanimously.

Clarifying details captured during the hearing: the site totals about 27 acres and the applicant requested rezoning for roughly 5 acres along the highway; the arboretum representative estimated the arboretum is within about 3,000 feet of the proposed area; staff noted main vehicular access is from Military Drive and any highway access would require TxDOT approvals during permit processes. The applicant and arboretum agreed to attempt to meet before the next hearing.

Why it matters: Commissioners cited the need for clearer site plans and neighborhood coordination before approving a use that includes large trucks near a planned public green space. The postponement gives staff and the applicant time to show detailed buffers, circulation plans and any mitigation for noise and emissions.