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Commission upholds denial of sidewalk exception for Heath Circle Drive development
Summary
The Planning Commission denied an appeal seeking an exception to the city's sidewalk requirement for Huron Valley Phase 1 on Heath Circle Drive, citing pedestrian safety and connectivity concerns, particularly near a nearby school.
The City of San Antonio Planning Commission on Wednesday denied an appeal seeking an exception to the city's sidewalk requirements for Heath Circle Drive in the Huron Valley Phase 1 subdivision, upholding staff's earlier denial.
Jeff Collins, a development engineer, presented the appeal of a staff determination that sidewalks are required on both sides of the street under city code (referenced in the hearing as Article 25 05 06). Collins and the applicant argued that existing topography, drainage infrastructure (including two 24-inch pipes identified on the site), and partial sidewalk lengths on adjoining blocks complicated the installation and connection of a continuous sidewalk.
Staff and several commissioners pressed the developer on pedestrian safety and school access. Commissioners noted that the proposed development abuts a school and that sidewalks and a safe pedestrian crossing would serve children who might walk to and from the campus. The applicant proposed installing a curb ramp and a crosswalk to connect to sidewalk on the opposite side of the street; staff said an engineering study was needed to assess drainage impacts of placing a sidewalk along the property line.
Commissioners raised concerns about drainage, potential impacts to existing stormwater flow, and whether a sidewalk constructed at the property edge would exacerbate runoff into the street or adjacent properties. After discussion Commissioner (name not specified in the record) moved to deny the appeal; Commissioner Maylam seconded. On a roll call vote the commission upheld staff's denial: Commissioners Seagal, Maylam, Jacob Sánchez, Di Suki and López voted to deny; Commissioners Ilet and Profit voted no; Commissioner Bustamante voted yes. The motion to deny the appeal passed.
The decision leaves the city's sidewalk requirement in place for the project; the applicant may pursue any further engineering studies or mitigation measures and could return to the commission if new information is provided.
