Neighbors press commission over proposed Johns Road duplexes, developer withdraws rezoning to negotiate access

The Boerne Planning and Zoning Commission heard lengthy public opposition and detailed staff analysis Tuesday over a proposed annexation and rezoning for a 6.46‑acre property at 727A Johns Road, and the applicant withdrew the rezoning request at the hearing to negotiate access and design changes with neighbors.

Frankie Linder, a planner with the City of Boerne, told the commission the developer seeks to annex the property and rezone it from interim holding to R‑3‑D (duplex residential) within the Scenic Interstate Corridor Overlay District. The parcel contains a recorded historic site, Lehi Sanatorium, and has drainage‑protection zones crossing the site; staff estimated the buildable area and said the district could permit up to about 33 lots under dimensional and environmental constraints. Linder said the applicant had reduced an earlier proposal of 34 lots to 30 and described the current draft as 29 dwelling units plus a community space.

The rezoning matter prompted a large turnout from the adjacent Villas at Hampton Place neighborhood. Dozens of residents said the narrow local streets, many homes with single‑car garages and widespread on‑street parking, and frequent child play made any new through access dangerous. “The purpose of the cul de sac is safety,” said Brian Stitch, a Hampton Way resident. Several speakers…